Pakistan’s rice exports have received a significant boost as Iran has agreed to import 300,000 tons of rice from Pakistan, strengthening bilateral trade and supporting the country’s agricultural economy. The announcement was made by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain.
Addressing a ceremony at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the minister said the development reflects growing international demand for Pakistani rice. He added that the Prime Minister has set an ambitious export target of Rs100 billion for the rice sector to help strengthen the national economy and increase foreign exchange earnings.
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Rana Tanveer Hussain also revealed that Bangladesh has shown interest in importing Pakistani rice, calling it a positive and encouraging sign for exporters. He said expanding rice exports to regional and international markets would help Pakistan diversify its trade partners and reduce dependence on limited markets.
The minister emphasized the need for research-driven agricultural reforms, particularly to improve per-acre yield. He noted that adopting modern farming techniques, better seed quality, and advanced research methods is essential to increasing productivity and meeting international demand.
He further stated that higher agricultural exports would play a key role in reducing Pakistan’s current account deficit and promoting sustainable economic growth. “Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and value-added exports like rice can significantly improve our financial stability,” he said.
Business leaders at the event welcomed the announcement, saying that large export orders from countries like Iran would benefit farmers, exporters, and the overall supply chain. They also stressed the importance of consistent government support, stable policies, and improved logistics to maintain export momentum.
Analysts believe the rice export deal with Iran could open doors for long-term trade agreements and further strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global rice market.
In conclusion, Iran’s decision to import 300,000 tons of Pakistani rice marks a major milestone for the agricultural sector, offering new opportunities for growth, foreign exchange earnings, and economic stability.
