Islamabad pitches surplus supplies, price competitiveness ahead of Manila tenders.

By News Desk

Pakistan has stepped up engagement with the Philippines to expand rice exports, with the government seeking additional procurement under a government-to-government arrangement, officials said on Friday. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Philippines Ambassador to Pakistan Emmanuel R. Fernandez, held on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to an official statement, the commerce minister conveyed the prime minister’s interest in identifying priority markets for Pakistani rice and formally requested the Philippine side to consider increased sourcing from Pakistan.

He said Pakistan currently has surplus rice stocks available for export while maintaining consistent quality standards, but noted that renewed participation by major global suppliers has intensified price competition.

To address this, the minister said the government has developed mechanisms to ensure price competitiveness, including financial bridging where required, to align Pakistani rice prices with prevailing international benchmarks.

He said the Philippines has been identified as a key partner country for expanded rice exports and stressed that timely coordination would be critical, particularly in view of upcoming procurement tenders in the Philippine market.

Ambassador Fernandez welcomed Pakistan’s outreach and said the Philippines views Pakistan as a longstanding and reliable supplier. He noted that Pakistan has consistently ranked among the top three rice suppliers to the Philippines and has the potential to further increase its market share.

He said the upcoming session of the Pakistan–Philippines Joint Economic Commission, expected in February, would include rice trade as a priority agenda item.

Both sides reviewed progress on a draft memorandum of understanding between Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and the Philippine Ministry of Agriculture, which envisages multi-year government-to-government rice procurement. Officials said technical teams from both countries remain in close coordination, with a Pakistani delegation expected to visit Manila to expedite finalisation of the MoU ahead of tenders.

The meeting also covered tariff-related issues and cost competitiveness, with Pakistani officials saying early conclusion of the MoU would help manage surplus stocks and ensure continuity of supply.

In addition to rice, the commerce minister raised Pakistan’s interest in expanding exports of kinnow (mandarin) to the Philippines and requested that related tariff matters be addressed through institutional channels, including the Joint Economic Commission.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination through diplomatic and commercial channels to translate discussions into concrete trade outcomes.

Published Date: January 24, 2026