ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered to export both Basmati and non-Basmati rice to Turkiye at competitive international prices, aiming to expand export volumes and improve farmer incomes. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan made the proposal during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Dr Irfan Nezirolu, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to prioritize agricultural exports.

Khan emphasized that Pakistan’s bumper paddy harvest this season guarantees quality and surplus supply. He acknowledged that tough competition from India and Vietnam has pressured global markets, but explained that Pakistan has introduced a price support mechanism to align with international rates so buyers face no disadvantage when sourcing rice from Pakistan.

The talks also focused on strengthening government-to-government trade channels alongside private-sector deals. Pakistan’s state trading organizations would coordinate with Turkish institutions, including state-owned grain procurement agencies, to facilitate bulk purchases.

Khan raised concerns about market access, pointing to tariff-rate quotas and import licensing hurdles. He urged better use of the existing 18,000 metric ton quota under the Pakistan-Turkiye Preferential Trade Agreement, which remains underutilized, and suggested exploring reduced or zero tariffs on Basmati rice.

Ambassador Nezirolu reaffirmed Turkiye’s commitment to deepening economic ties, noting that bilateral trade still falls short of potential despite strong political relations. He highlighted the $5 billion trade target set during the Strategic Cooperation Council meeting.

Both sides agreed to boost engagement between business communities through trade delegations, exhibitions, and B2B interactions. Technical teams will meet in the coming weeks to advance discussions on rice trade, PTA expansion, and broader cooperation in agriculture, food processing, and value-added rice products such as parboiled rice.

This initiative reflects Pakistan’s push to diversify export markets and strengthen agricultural trade partnerships, while positioning itself as a reliable supplier of competitively priced rice to Turkiye.