Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to significantly increase bilateral rice trade, focusing on competitive pricing, higher export volumes, and stronger business linkages as part of broader efforts to deepen economic cooperation.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and the Turkish ambassador, where both sides discussed ways to enhance rice trade between the two countries.

The talks emphasized boosting export volumes while ensuring price competitiveness in international markets.

Govt pushes agricultural exports

The Ministry of Commerce said steps are being taken to promote agricultural exports on the instructions of the prime mnister. Officials highlighted that Pakistan has produced one of its best rice crops in recent years, resulting in an abundant export surplus available for international buyers.

Pakistan offered to supply rice to Turkey in line with prevailing global prices.

The government assured Turkey of a steady supply of both basmati and non-basmati rice at competitive rates, while prioritizing an increase in export volumes without compromising farmers’ incomes.

Quotas, tariff relief under FTA

Discussions also covered increasing the rice export quota by 18,000 metric tons under the Pakistan–Turkey Free Trade Agreement. The Ministry of Commerce said both sides explored the possibility of zero or low tariffs on basmati rice to further encourage trade.

Govt-level trade, $5bn target

Pakistan said it would consider various options for rice trade at the government-to-government level. Both countries reiterated their shared target of increasing overall bilateral trade to $5 billion, with agriculture seen as a key driver.

The two sides agreed to increase business delegations and strengthen B2B connections to support trade growth.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, technical delegations from Pakistan and Turkey are expected to meet in the coming weeks to take discussions forward.