Government-level talks aim for 1 million tons annual exports to Philippines and enhanced market access in China.

By Monitoring Desk

Pakistan is actively working to expand its rice exports to the Philippines and China through government-to-government agreements and trade facilitation initiatives.

Documents obtained by Wealth Pakistan show that Pakistan and the Philippines are negotiating a memorandum of understanding for the annual export of one million tons of rice over a five-year period. A draft MoU has been shared by Pakistan, with the Philippines responding with a counter-draft. Both sides aim to finalize and sign the agreement during the second Joint Economic Commission meeting scheduled for February 19–20.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce has engaged Chinese authorities at the highest diplomatic level to explore free trade agreement options and other measures to boost rice exports. A detailed review meeting was held on January 19, covering progress under Phase I and Phase II of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA).

While Pakistan’s exports to China have grown steadily, officials see potential to further enhance trade. Pakistan has submitted a list of priority export items, including rice, seeking additional trade preferences. Proposed interim measures include a waiver of the existing one percent import duty on Pakistani rice, the introduction of a special import quota similar to the 2019–2020 arrangement, and long-term procurement partnerships with Chinese state-owned enterprises, particularly China Oil and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO).

Published Date: February 6, 2026