ISLAMABAD: Jam Kamal Khan, Pakistan’s Federal Commerce Minister, and Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, the Philippine ambassador to Pakistan, met to discuss Pakistan’s attempts to boost rice exports to the Philippines. Improving Pakistan’s rice exports to the Philippine market was the main goal of the meeting. The nation’s excess rice reserves and ability to satisfy international quality requirements were emphasized by the trade minister. He claimed that the government had implemented policies, such as financial assistance systems when needed, to assist exporters in maintaining price competitiveness.
Additionally, he formally asked the Philippine leadership to take into account further purchases from Pakistan and expressed the Prime Minister’s strong interest in determining priority markets for Pakistan’s rice exports. According to Jamal Kamal Khan, the return of significant suppliers has increased competition in the world’s rice markets, driving up costs. In order to solve this, the Pakistani government has created a system to guarantee benchmark price competitiveness, including financial bridging where necessary, so that Pakistani rice can continue to be competitive while guaranteeing purchasers of both quantity and quality. He underlined that there is significant potential for increasing bilateral rice trade through institutional engagement between pertinent agencies of both nations if Pakistan can nearly match current market rates.
Pakistan has recognized the Philippines as a crucial partner for rice exports, especially in light of impending procurement tenders. Jam Kamal emphasized that prompt collaboration could result in agreements that are advantageous to both parties. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, the ambassador, has praised Pakistan’s aggressive outreach and called it a move in the right direction for strengthening bilateral investment and commercial relations. He pointed out that Pakistan has always been one of the top three suppliers of rice to the Philippines and mentioned the possibility of growing its market share. He said that rice trade would be a major topic of discussion at the next meeting of the Pakistan-Philippines Joint Economic Commission (JEC), which is anticipated to take place in February.
A proposed memorandum of understanding intended to create a multi-year, government-to-government framework for rice procurement was also considered by both parties. In order to hasten the completion of the Memorandum of Understanding in advance of future tenders, a Pakistani delegation is expected to interact with Philippine counterparts. It was also observed that technical teams are closely coordinated. The discussion also covered cost competitiveness and tariff issues. Pakistani officials emphasized that an early agreement may assist control excess supplies and guarantee export continuity. The Pakistani side emphasized that an early signing of the Memorandum of Understanding would assist control excess inventory and guarantee supply to the Philippine market.
Apart from rice, the Commerce Minister also mentioned Pakistan’s desire to increase kinnow (mandarin) exports to the Philippines and asked that relevant tariff matters be discussed in the relevant institutional venues, such as the JEC. In order to turn talks into tangible results, both sides reiterated their dedication to close cooperation through diplomatic and commercial channels, reflecting the common goal of enhancing trade relations between Pakistan and the Philippines in priority agricultural commodities.
