KARACHI: Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Tuesday said trade with Russia is normal and there is no report of ban on Pakistani rice from Russian authorities.

Chela Ram Kewlani, Chairman REAP and Haseeb Ali Khan Senior Vice Chairman REAP said REAP has thoroughly investigated the issue of Russian consignment from Pakistan.

They claimed that the exporter has fulfilled all the protocols during Russian shipment and a minor issue was occurred due to long transit time and

“All protocols for the export of rice to Russia have been followed and fulfilled by the exporters and there is no chance for infestation to survive or be present at load port,” they added.

This was the time when shipments from Pakistan were avoiding the Red Sea channel and taking the alternate shipping route, which was longer. It took almost two months to reach the destination due to an alternate shipping route. The goods were shipped from Pakistan on 10th January 2024 and received on March 15, 2024.

REAP office bearers further apprised that the trade with Russia is normal, and there is no news of the ban received from Russian authorities.

Recently Russia has warned Pakistan that it will ban rice imports if phytosanitary concerns are not addressed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024