By Our Correspondent

KARACHI: A delegation of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), led by Chairman Muhammad Raza, held meetings with senior diplomatic and trade officials of Iran, Malaysia and Turkiye to expand Pakistan’s rice exports and strengthen trade ties, according to a statement on Friday.

The delegation met Iranian Consul General Akbar Eissa Zadeh, First Consul Vahed Asghari and Commercial Attaché Morad Nemati, as well as Malaysian Consul General Mohd Yunus Ibrahim and Turkish Commercial Attache Murat Ozmen, at their respective consulates.

The Iranian and Malaysian consuls general and the Turkish commercial attache welcomed the delegation and congratulated Raza on assuming office as REAP chairperson. They also extended good wishes to the newly elected Executive Committee for a productive tenure.

Discussions focused on rice exports, bilateral trade, market access and opportunities to widen Pakistan’s presence in international markets. Both sides voiced optimism about increasing bilateral rice trade and exploring new avenues for Pakistani exporters.

REAP leaders stressed the importance of closer cooperation with diplomatic missions and trade representatives to identify business opportunities, facilitate exporters and promote Pakistani rice abroad.

Raza said REAP is committed to working closely with diplomatic missions, government institutions and international trade partners to raise rice exports, open new markets and increase foreign exchange earnings.

As a gesture of goodwill, the chairperson presented REAP shields to the Iranian and Malaysian consuls general and the Turkish commercial attache.

The delegation included Executive Committee members Faisal Anis, Farhat Rasheed, Abdul Wahid Mianoor, Moaz Irfan, Asif Abdul Ghaffar, Kazim Khandwala and Ashok Kumar, along with REAP Secretary Altaf Hussain Shaikh and Assistant Secretary Arif Ali Khan.

Published Date: October 18, 2026