Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce has expressed its concerns over quality control issues plaguing rice exports to the European market. During its meeting on Wednesday, the committee discussed disruptions in rice shipments, including 72 interceptions by the EU.
The committee, which was headed by MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, discussed the notice presented by Ms. Sharmila Shiba Faruqui Hashaam regarding the interruption in rice exports from Pakistan, particularly to the European Union.
At the meeting, the committee pointed out the problems with the quality inspection process that have caused these export challenges. The National Food Security Department was criticized for not effectively addressing these quality issues that have hurt Pakistan’s rice exports.
In response, the government seems to be of the opinion of setting up another regulatory authority concerning rice exports on a more comprehensive scale. A committee observed that Punjab and Sindh together add up to around 5 million tonnes of rice exports, in which interceptions really. affected these exported quantities.
Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Jawad Paul, said that the European Union has not issued any formal warning regarding the issues. He explained that the absence of a national framework for food security is one of the main reasons behind the proposal to create a more powerful authority with better resources and expertise to address such problems.
The committee also reviewed the government’s goal of reaching $60 billion in exports by 2029. Although some members doubted the possibility of achieving this target, they called on the Ministry of Commerce to present a more detailed plan of how they would achieve this ambitious goal.
In addition, the committee talked about the insurance companies that come under the purview of the Ministry and appealed to them to increase their CSR contribution. The committee emphasized the need for the proper utilization of CSR funds.
Last, the committee discussed the performance of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and recommended swift measures to settle its receivables and outstanding liabilities, particularly the ones held by government ministries and organizations. Settlement of the receivables and outstanding liabilities will be important in improving the TCP’s financial health and efficiency.
