Tehran, 28 July 2022 (TDI): Pakistani embassy in Iran arranged a Rice festival in collaboration with the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan at Espinas Palace Hotel, Tehran.
Hooman Fathi, Director General International Affairs Ministry of Agriculture of Iran was the chief guest on occasion.
Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, Ali Hussam Asghar also shared his remarks on the event. He highlighted that Pakistani rice exports to Iran have grown to over 30% of the Iranian market share. Moreover, he stated that the demand for Pakistani rice is rising in the region and beyond.
Remarks of Pakistan Ambassador to Iran
Pakistan Ambassador to Iran, Rahim Hayat, emphasized the immense export potential of Pakistani rice to Iran. He also mentioned that the quality and aroma of Pakistani rice add to the taste of delicious Iranian cuisine.
He further stressed the significance of growing exchanges between the private sector on both sides. This strengthened bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and Iran and reached the target of $5 billion in bilateral trade.
The Rice Festival was part of a series of activities to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the independence of Pakistan. It also was to celebrate the 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations with Iran.
At the end of the rice festival delectable Pakistani and Iranian dishes made with Pakistani long grain aromatic Basmati rice were served.
Delegation of Rice Exporters Association Pakistan in Iran
An eight-member delegation of rice exporters went to Iran to strengthen the bilateral rice trade between both states.
The delegation also discussed the issues of resumption of rice export and implementation of the currency swap agreement.
The chairman of the rice association Pakistan mentioned that the unavailability of bank channels between both states is a major barrier to bilateral trade.
The association has also decided to hold two other Rice festivals in September of this year. The first one will be in Tehran and the other in Kualalumpur, Malaysia.
