Trade potential: Technology vital for exports, says president

Believes serious efforts could help to achieve rice export target.

ISLAMABAD: Understanding of current trends and use of latest technology keeping in view the market demand are the pre-requisites for realising the true trade potential, said President Mamnoon Hussain.

Addressing the 7th Export Trophy Awards of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), he said the exporters should fully exploit the opportunities in international markets as per their true potential. Besides Europe and the US, they should also focus on Far Eastern and Central Asian markets, he suggested.

He was sure that if serious efforts were made, Pakistan could achieve the rice export target of $4 billion per annum.



The president also called for establishing more institutions of research and development for the guidance of people in different fields and stressed the importance of concerted efforts to make them more effective.

“There should be effective coordination and a communication mechanism right from the growers to the exporters. This will not only help strengthen the industry but will also bring improvement in every segment,” he added.

He noted with concern that no new rice variety had been cultivated in the country over the last one and a half decade. “If we focus on our fertile and best rice producing land and if our scientists make serious efforts, we can bring about a revolution in rice cultivation and exports.”

The president said the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would enhance the importance of this region and transform Pakistan into a hub of regional trade activities.

Pointing to the challenges and hurdles in the way of country’s progress and prosperity, he said besides masses, the traders and entrepreneurs should also play their due role in overcoming the challenges. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st,  2015.

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