KARACHI: Pakistan is aiming to increase rice exports to $10 billion by expanding cultivation and improving port efficiency, the maritime affairs ministry said on Tuesday, as it pledged full support to exporters amid growing global demand.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry made the remarks during a visit to the Rice Exporters Association, where officials discussed measures to scale up exports from one of the country’s key agricultural sectors.
Rice is one of Pakistan’s top export commodities, with industry representatives saying the sector has already reached around $4 billion in annual export value.
As one of the world’s leading rice exporters, Pakistan is seeking to expand shipments further as shifting regional dynamics create new trade opportunities and demand in international markets.
“Steps should be taken to increase rice exports to $10 billion,” Chaudhry said.
He also said “the government’s priority is not revenue but the facilitation of maritime trade,” signaling a policy focus on easing trade flows rather than maximizing port-related charges.
Officials said efforts are underway to bring additional land under cultivation, with plans to expand up to 30 million acres, which is expected to further boost export volumes.
At Karachi Port, authorities have begun dredging work aimed at improving vessel handling capacity and reducing turnaround time to about two days, a move expected to ease congestion and cut logistics costs.
The minister said port operations continued during the Eid holidays last month, with 16 ships handled, a first for the period, reflecting improved operational capacity.
He added that the introduction of bunkering services at Karachi Port could generate trade worth Rs300 billion ($1.07 billion), as Pakistan looks to position itself as a regional maritime hub.
Industry representatives were assured of full government and port-level support to enhance export performance and competitiveness in global markets.
