Problems of rice exporters to be solved Governor Sind

KARACHI: Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan has said exporters of various goods have played a vital role in economy of Pakistan and due to their efforts valuable addition is witnessed in national exchequer every year.This he said while talking to a 9-members delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) at Governor House here on Monday.Principal Secretary to Governor Muhammad Hussain Syed was also present on the occasion.Dr. Ebad said that agriculture was the back-bone of Pakistan’s economy as majority population is engaged with this sector.Cotton, rice, sugarcane, mango, citrus fruits and other crops have a pivotal contribution in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country as they employ millions of people, he observed.Governor Sindh said that rice is an important part of exports of Pakistan and basmati rice of Pakistan is renowned for its quality and taste worldwide. It also counts for sizeable amount of foreign exchange, he opined.On pointing of dormant state of Rice Research Institute (RRI), Dokri district, Larkana, Governor Sindh assured that all concerned would be called soon to know the reasons behind its ineffectiveness.The RRI has a very important role in producing new varieties of rice which are not only cost effective but also have visible consumption due to their quality, he added.On complaint of harassment from market committees, Governor Sindh asked Principal Secretary to examine the matter and resolve the same in consultation of all stake holders.He said that after improvement of law and order situation in Karachi, business community was engaged in their economic activities without any fear.Exporters would be provided all possible help and assistance to continue their exports, he assured.Governor Sindh commended the idea of holding a Biryani Festival and said that it would help in increasing rice exports.The Chief Patron of ‘REAP Abdul Rahim Janoo informed Governor Sindh that the Association has 1600 members from which 850 belong to Sindh.Pakistani rice is exported to 117 countries of the world including China, he said and added that Punjab produces Basmati while Sindh has Irri rice in abundance.He lauded the efforts of Governor Sindh in maintaining law & order in Sindh and providing every possible facilities to business community.The delegation members included Senior Vice Chairman REAP Nauman Ahmed Shaikh, members managing Committee Javed Jilani, Inder Lal, Hamid Qureshi, Latif Paracha, Wajid Paracha, Rauf Aziz and Secretary Altaf Hussain.’