Bangladesh and Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the import of non-basmati white rice (Atap or sunbunned rice) from Pakistan on a G2G basis.

The Trading Corporation of Pakistan and the Directorate General of Food, Bangladesh sign the MOU on behalf of the two friendly nations.

It is expected that this MoU will open a new horizon to stabilise the country’s rice market, increase and strengthen economic and trade relations.

The Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan Sayed Rafio Bashir Shah and the Director General of DGoF Bangladesh Md. Abdul Khaliq conduct the formalities, says a food ministry release. 

Food Secretary Md Masudul Hasan, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan Shakeel Ahmed Mangnejo, High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof also present, among others.

Rice prices have increased by 15-20 per cent in the last one and a half months in Bangladesh, as the coarse variety is being sold at Tk 60-62, medium Tk 68-72 and finer Tk 78-94 a kg, according to market sources. 

To stabilise the market, the government has targeted importing rice from global sources.

Import duties have also been scrapped to facilitate imports.

Published Date: January 14, 2025