Islamabad: In a promising development for Pakistan’s economy, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan announced that the nation’s agricultural exports have surged to a record $8 billion. This historic achievement was highlighted during virtual meetings with the Sectoral Council for Rice and the Council for Dairy and its Products. The minister underscored the significant strides made in these sectors, which are now crucial components of the national economy.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Khan expressed his commitment to propelling the agricultural sector forward during the meetings held on Tuesday. He praised the Sectoral Council for Rice for achieving a $4 billion export milestone and encouraged them to aim for $5 billion next year. Shahzad Malik, Chairman of the Rice Council, projected that with consistent policies and favorable conditions, Pakistan could potentially hit a $10 billion rice export target by 2030.

The minister also recognized the importance of maintaining high standards in agricultural products, particularly pesticide-free rice, to preserve Pakistan’s competitive edge in European and Gulf markets. He addressed exporters’ concerns about tariff and energy rates, assuring them that these issues would be considered seriously to avoid impeding growth.

In discussions with the Council for Dairy and its Products, challenges such as lower productivity levels compared to regional competitors were highlighted. Minister Khan emphasized the need for enhanced dairy production strategies, involving quality feed and farming practices, to boost the industry. He acknowledged the potential for growth presented by top multinational dairy companies and stressed the necessity of creating a conducive business environment to leverage these opportunities. The council members called for equitable business conditions to compete globally, to which the minister assured government support in addressing these issues.