KARACHI: Former Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), Rafiq Suleman, has welcomed the federal government’s decision to grant rice exporters a further 90-day extension under the Duty and Taxes Remission for Exports (DTLTL) scheme, financed through the Export Development Fund (EDF).
The decision was taken during a meeting of the EDF Committee, where REAP Chairman Faisal Malik Jhangir represented the Association and strongly presented the demands of Pakistan’s rice export industry.
Under the approved package, the DTLTL incentive for Basmati rice has been increased from 3 percent to 5 percent, while the 9 percent incentive for Non-Basmati rice has been retained, providing significant relief to rice exporters.
Rafiq Suleman said the government’s timely decision would substantially reduce the financial burden on exporters and help Pakistan’s rice exports exceed USD3 billion during the current fiscal year.
He added that the conflict in the Middle East had severely disrupted export activities over the past one and a half months due to a shortage of shipping vessels, interruptions in shipping routes, and an unprecedented increase in ocean freight charges. As a result, many exporters were unable to fulfill international orders on time, causing financial losses as well as damage to their business reputation.
Meanwhile, REAP Senior Vice Chairman Javed Jillani said the 90-day extension of the DTLTL scheme would facilitate the timely execution of pending export orders, help secure new international contracts, and further strengthen the competitiveness of Pakistani rice in global markets, particularly at a time when Indian rice is available at comparatively lower prices.
He said continued government support would not only increase Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings but also benefit the entire rice value chain, including farmers, rice millers, exporters, and allied industries, while encouraging greater rice cultivation and stimulating economic activity in rural areas during the coming season.
Jillani expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Ministry of Commerce, and all members of the Export Development Fund Committee for addressing the concerns of the rice industry on a priority basis. He also appreciated the contributions of REAP Chairman Faisal Malik Jhangir, Patron-in-Chief Rahim Jano, former Chairman Rafiq Suleman, Mohibullah, Samiullah, Haseeb, and other team members for their dedicated efforts.
He further thanked members of the print and electronic media for effectively highlighting the issues facing Pakistan’s rice export industry.
He urged the government to continue supporting exporters by reducing shipping costs, ensuring timely payment of refunds, facilitating easier access to bank financing, and maintaining consistent export-oriented policies so that Pakistan can further expand its share in the global rice trade.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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