Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has assured rice exporters of the government’s full support as rice exports reached $4 billion and the government wanted to take it to $10 billion, it was reported on Tuesday.
The minister, along with Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (retd), Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), and other officials, visited the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) House.
Addressing the participants of the meeting, Junaid Anwar directed them to adopt measures to take rice exports to $10 billion.
Juanid Anwar Chaudhary said that port operations were continued even on Eid al-Fitr holidays. Karachi Port handled 16 ships during the above-mentioned period.
The Maritime Minister said that Karachi Port will earn Rs300 billion through bunkering services.
The meeting was attended by Malik Faisal Jahangir, Chairman REAP, Muhammad Jawed Jillani, Senior Vice Chairman REAP, Executive Committee Members, including Rafique Suleman, Abdul Rahim Janoo, former chairman, Sheeraz Ahmed Sheikh, Mahesh Kumar, Jetendar Kumar, and M. Shahid Memon, Ex-EC Member REAP, as well as REAP members Asif Ali Shaikh, Faisal Anis, Badaruddin Chishti, and officials of KPT.
During the meeting, Malik Faisal Jahangir appreciated the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s continued support for the export sector in the current challenging global environment.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Pakistan’s Maritime Ministry services in improving and streamlining cargo handling operations at the country’s ports.
During the meeting, various issues concerning rice exports and matters of mutual interest were discussed.
The Federal Minister assured the REAP members of his full support and cooperation in addressing their concerns to facilitate the exporters.
Abdul Rahim Janoo briefed the Minister about Asia’s largest Haji Razzak Janoo Memorial Trust for Free Laser Eye Cataract Surgery Camps in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
At the request of the Minister, it was agreed to hold a three-day free charity camp in Toba Tek Singh.
