REAP hails PM’s relief package for rice exporters

The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has welcomed the government’s relief measures announced by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to support export-oriented industries, with a particular focus on the rice sector.

The package includes a reduction of Rs4.04 per unit in electricity tariffs, a lowering of wheeling charges to below Rs9, and a cut in the Export Refinance Scheme (ERS) rate from 7.5 percent to 4.5 percent. REAP officials said these steps will help reduce production and financing costs for rice exporters.

Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Jawed Jillani, former chairman Rafique Suleman, and Abdul Rahim Janoo expressed optimism that the timely interventions would assist the rice export industry in recovering from the slowdown seen over the past six months. They added that, with sustained government support, Pakistan’s rice exports could match or surpass last year’s performance.