The Commerce Ministry told a National Assembly panel that Pakistani Basmati rice exports to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kenya have suffered a setback due to a variety of factors, and that the government is taking steps to revive the exports.

Zaidi was hopeful that the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia will boost rice exports. He pointed out that India is Saudi Arabia’s primary source of rice imports.

He further added that some Saudi businessmen have established rice mills in India that send rice to Saudi Arabia, reducing Pakistan’s rice exports.

Moreover, Zaidi claimed that exports to Kenya and the United Arab Emirates have also decreased, adding that while China and the Philippines are important markets for Pakistan, they do not import basmati rice.

Zaidi also gave the panel an update on the status of the rice containers being held in France and Belgium, stating that the problem has not been resolved.