The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has invited bids for the export of 50,000 metric tons of non-Basmati parboiled rice to Bangladesh, following a previous agreement to supply an equal quantity of long-grain white rice.
According to TCP’s latest tender, sealed bids from rice exporters will be accepted until February 27, 2025. The tender specifies that 60% of the rice will be delivered to Chattogram Port and 40% to Mongla Port in Bangladesh, with shipments routed through Karachi Port. The rice must be packed in 50-kilogram polypropylene woven bags and shipped as break bulk cargo.
Interested parties can bid for a minimum of 25,000 metric tons or multiples thereof, up to the full 50,000 metric tons. Companies that have defaulted on previous contracts with TCP are barred from participating unless they clear outstanding dues and penalties before the tender opening date.Â
Additionally, blacklisted firms or those facing ongoing blacklisting procedures are ineligible.
Bangladesh Trading Corporation (BTC) had earlier expressed interest in importing rice from Pakistan on a government-to-government basis to meet domestic demand. In response, TCP issued an international tender in December 2024 for the supply of 50,000 metric tons of long-grain white rice (IRRI-6) and 50,000 metric tons of non-Basmati parboiled rice.
When the tender was opened on January 6, 2025, it attracted 11 bids for long-grain white rice, with price offers ranging between $498.40 and $523.50 per metric ton. However, no bids were received for the non-Basmati parboiled rice, prompting the fresh tender.
The export of 50,000 metric tons of long-grain white rice to Bangladesh is currently in process, with shipment expected to begin within a week.
