member trade delegation of rice exporters of Pakistan will visit Saudi Arabia from March 22 to April 2 to increase the export between the two countries and to demonstrate that their products can compete internationally and are cheaper in price. “The visit of the leading rice exporters of Pakistan is organized by the Rice Export Association of Pakistan in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDA),” said Mohammed Jamil the Pakistani press consular. “During the visit they will meet officials of the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and explore the Saudi market for business opportunities. They will meet Saudi importers of rice and food to let them know the availability of their best quality products at a competitive price with samples, CDs and brochures,” said Jamil. Pakistan is one of the major exporters of rice to Saudi Arabia. According to the report of Pakistan consulate commercial section, Pakistan exported 987,476 tons of rice to the value of SR2,347,586 during 2007. “The delegation has some established exporters. We are trying to expand business so the visit is expected to be very fruitful and hopefully receive major response,” said Commercial Consul Sarfaraz Ahmed, who specializes in export and trading. “Many Pakistani businessmen don't know about the Saudi market, which offers tremendous opportunity for Pakistan to do business,” he said. “My priority is to focus on increasing the Pakistani exports value to Saudi Arabia and in a year it should double.” Sarfaraz told Saudi Gazette that he has many plans to increase trade between the two countries. At the moment Pakistan exports to Saudi Arabia is almost $400 million. During last three to four years it has gradually decreased because of certain reasons. According to a press release issued on June 11, 2008 by the Consulate General of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia showed special interest in the uninterrupted supply of food to all at affordable prices. There is a possibility of bilateral agreements in various sectors like agriculture, trade, food and fruit processing, energy and other agro-based industries, especially corporate farming.
