NEW YORK, May 13 (APP):A high-level delegation of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), led by its Chairman Faisal Jahangir, concluded its 3-day visit to New York with a series of strategic engagements with leading importers, distributors, and retail stakeholders. On the third and final day of the visit, the delegation visited the warehouse facility of Apna Bazar in Hicksville, Long Island, New York, where they were received by …

NEW YORK, May 13 (APP):A high-level delegation of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), led by its Chairman Faisal Jahangir, concluded its 3-day visit to New York with a series of strategic engagements with leading importers, distributors, and retail stakeholders.

On the third and final day of the visit, the delegation visited the warehouse facility of Apna Bazar in Hicksville, Long Island, New York, where they were received by the owners — Deepak Bhardwaj and Jaswinder Singh, according to a press release of the Pakistan Consulate General.

Detailed discussions were held on expanding the presence of Pakistani rice brands across Apna Bazar’s network of over 30 retail outlets across five U.S. states. The possibility of launching a private label dedicated exclusively to Pakistani rice was also explored, reflecting a growing market potential.

The delegation subsequently visited Aahu Barah, a major importer of Pakistani rice in the United States. Discussions focused on operational challenges, particularly relating to compliance with pesticide residue standards and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), clearance procedures at U.S. ports, with both sides exchanging views on facilitating smoother trade flows.

The day concluded with a visit to Best Foods in Edison, New Jersey, where the delegation was received by the Chief Operating Officer, Rajesh Asrani, and General Manager, Taj Rizvi, who provided an overview of the company’s operations and extensive distribution network. It was noted that Best Foods currently works with a range of leading Pakistani brands, including Nestle, Tapal, Shan, EBM, and Pakola, and carries Zebra, a well-known Pakistani rice brand.

The REAP delegation encouraged the company to further expand its portfolio of Pakistani rice brands in the U.S. market, the press release said.

At the conclusion of the visit, Chairman REAP Faisal Jahangir and members of the delegation termed their New York engagements as highly successful, highlighting the valuable insights gained and the strong interest shown by U.S. partners.

The delegation also expressed appreciation for the facilitation and support extended by the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, particularly the efforts of Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai and Trade & Investment Counsellor Adnan Mahmood Awan in ensuring the success of the visit.

The visit underscores Pakistan’s continued commitment to strengthening its presence in the U.S. market and promoting its premium rice exports through sustained engagement with key stakeholders across the value chain, the press release said.

Published Date: May 14, 2026