Rice: Argentina, Chile want to import rice from Pakistan

Buyers from Argentina and Chile have shown keen interest to import Pakistani rice because of its best quality. A foreign delegation of buyers visited the regional office of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) along with Rabia Javeri Agha, Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) on Thursday.
"We have visited many Rice industries in Karachi and we are satisfied with the quality of rice and the modern technology established in the industries. We are going to import Pakistani rice in near future," said Mariano Senesi, a member of delegation. The delegation was comprised Mariano Senesi M/s Agrosud Argentina, Enrique Bruzzone Copello M/s. CV Trading Chile, Enrique Bruzzone Caste M/S CV Trading Chile. Representatives of SGS Pakistan, Beauro Veritas, and Intertek Pakistan were also present.
On this occasion, Rabia Javeri Agha said, "It is the primary objective of TDAP to facilitate the exporters and resolve the issue. I would address all issues being faced by the rice exporters association and would step up efforts to enhance the export with other nations."
Senior Vice-Chairman Reap, Chela Ram, said they were delighted to have Secretary TDAP first time at their office and hope she would further cooperate with them and would pave the ways for a smooth export.
He further said he was also happy over the providence of quality rice for the buyers across the world, adding that China has become the largest importer of Pakistani rice in last two years.
"We have beaten our competitors including India, Thailand and Vietnam and captured Chinese market in last couple of years," he added.
Regarding the decline in export of Pakistani basmati rice in last few years, he said the price of Pakistani basmati was higher as compared to the competitors due to which the volume of exports came down. It all happened due the poor law and order situation of the country, he added. He urged the government to ensure proper electricity and gas supply to the farmers so that the exports volume could be increased. He said if the present government restore peace and provide energy to this sector that they would cross $4 billion mark in 2016.
Abdul Rahim, ex-chairman Reap, urged the government to take appropriate measures and encourage formers to adopt latest technology to increase rice production so that the sector could earn maximum foreign exchanges for the country.

News Source: Business Recorder  News Collected: agrinfobank.com  Team

Tobacco export surges by 197 percent in 2013

The country's export of tobacco shot up by 197 percent to $5.247 million during July-September 2013, according to official statistics. The export of tobacco was mere $1.767 million during July-September 2012 which grew by $3.48 million during the same period this fiscal year, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) say.
In terms of volume, the export of tobacco surged by 206.02 percent or 1061 metric tons during July-September period of the current fiscal year to 1,576 metric tons from the commodity's export of 515 metric tons during the same period last fiscal year, the PBS indicates.
On an annual basis, the country's export of tobacco went up by over 2 percent or $0.03 million to $1.264 million in September 2013 as compared with the export of $1.234 million in September 2012, the official figures say. In terms of quantity, the export of tobacco increased by over 11 percent or 39 metric tons to 386 metric tons in September 2013 as compared to the commodity's export of 347 metric tons in September 2012, the PBS says.

Source: http://www.brecorder.com

Pakistan exports 440 containers of honey to Gulf in 2012-13

Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Pakistan has exported 440 containers honey to Gulf states during the financial year 2012-13 and it was expected in 2013-14 the volume would be much higher than the previous year.
President Honey Bee Keepers and Exporters Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Raza Khan Afridi said Pakistani honey has big demand in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Bahrain.
The price of one kilogramme honey in international market in Pakistani currency is Rs 1000 and each container contains 20,000 kilogramme of honey.
He called for provision of facilities to honey exporters to increase the export of the commodity and stressed need for the establishment of Honey Board having representation of all stakeholders including the association and forest department.
For increase in the production of honey, Khan Afridi said the beekeepers should be given facilities as due to poverty his bees use to die. He said bee keepers are poor and they have bear a loss of Rs 160,000 colonies annually in head of transportation, feeding and working.
He especially complained of the police attitude with bee keepers at the time of the transportation of colonies and every truck have to pay an amount ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 per truck. He in particular complained of the improper treatment of Peshawar and Kohat Police.
The variety of bees known as Apis-Mellaffera was imported from Italy in 1982 for Afghan refugees.
He said demand of honey in international market particularly in Gulf was manifold higher than the present supply. For increase in the production, he called for the plantation of berry plants in open places to provide feeding for the bees. In this connection, he especially stressed the active role of forest and agriculture departments and district administration should also cooperate with them.
He called for the establishment of a honey specific department to work for the promotion of investment in the sector under the supervision of public sector. He demanded making arrangement for the processing of the honey.
He said beekeeping is an informal emerging sector providing employment opportunity to thousands of people. He especially appreciated the efforts of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority for the development of the sector. After carpet manufacturing, beekeeping is the second potential export oriented sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose growth is stagnant due to the lack of facilitation by both federal and provincial governments.

Source

Commodities : Rise in exports greater than imports

Saturday, July 20, 2013 By Abrar Hamza

The total increase in exports of commodities during fiscal year (FY) 2012-13 outweighed that of imports as the exports went up by 3.0 percent while the imports rose just slightly by 0.08 percent, data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) stated on Friday.
Total value of selected commodities imports stood at $44.950 billion in FY 2012-13 as compared to $44.911 billion in FY 2011-12 while total exports of selected commodities stood at $24.515 billion in FY 2012-13 as against of $23.624 billion in the last fiscal.
However, on monthly basis total imports of selected commodities declined by 9.0 percent to $3.939 billion in June 2013 as compared to $4.344 billion in May 2013 while it witnessed a meagre yearly change of 0.99 percent as compared to $3.929 billion worth of imports in June 2012.
Total exports on monthly basis in June 2013 increased by 1.0 percent to $2.197 billion as against the sum of $2.175 billion in May 2013 while it improved by 3.0 percent on yearly basis as compared to $2.137 billion in June 2012.
PBS has released provisional figures of imports of selected commodities including food, machinery, transport, textile, agriculture, petroleum, metal and miscellaneous groups. Commodities exported include food, textile, leather, petroleum and coal, footwear, gem and jewellery and other manufacturer groups.
Food group including milk, non-milled wheat, dry fruit, tea, spices, soya bean, palm oil, sugar, pulses and all other food items imports decreased in FY 2012-13 by 16 percent to $4.187 billion as against $4.993 billion in FY 2011-12.
Food group items import witnessed a 13 percent monthly increase to an amount of $258.369 million in June 2013 as compared to $296.806 million in May 2013 while it slipped by 0.99 percent on yearly basis as compared to $409.261 million in June 2012.
Food group exports including rice, wheat, fruits, tobacco and other items surged by 11 percent in FY 2012-13 to $4.732 billion as compared to $4.249 billion in FY 2011-12. On monthly basis food group exports fell by 0.36 percent to $406.290 million in June 2012 as against $407.760 million in May 2013 while it witnessed a massive increase of 19 percent as compared to $340.455 million in June 2012.
Agricultural group imports in FY 2012-13 declined by 11 percent to $6.372 billion as compared to $7.143 billion in FY 2011-12. However on monthly basis agricultural imports increased by 9.0 percent to $612.672 million in an opposition to $563.564 million in May 2013 while on yearly basis it improved slightly by 0.89 percent as against $607.267 million in June 2012.
Textile group’s imports witnessed an increase by 9.0 percent to $2.611 billion in FY 2012-13 as compared to $2.398 billion in FY 2011-12. During June 2013 it decreased by 20 percent to $186.966 million as compared to $232.135 million in May 2013 while it also declined by 15 percent on yearly basis as compared to $213.766 million in June 2012.
Textile group’s exports rose by 6.0 percent in FY 2012-13 to $13.664 billion as compared to $12.336 billion in FY 2011-12 On monthly basis it decreased by 4.0 percent to $1.136 billion in June 2013 as against $1.187 billion in May 2013, however, on yearly basis it improved by 5.0 percent as compared to $1.080 billion in June 2012.

Source: Daily Times

Pakistan Seafood exports Up

Exports of fish and fish preparations witnessed increase of 2.48 percent during the first eight months of the current fiscal year as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

Overall exports of fish and fish preparations were recorded at $199.949 million during July-February (2012-13) against the exports of $195.119 million during July-February (2011-12), according to data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

In terms of quantity, the seafood exports expanded by 12 percent during the period under review, the data revealed.

As much as 87,376 metric tons of seafood was exported during the first eight months of the current year against the exports of 78,029 metric tons during the corresponding period of last year.

Meanwhile, seafood exports during February 2013 decreased by 5.89 percent and 15.46 percent when compared to the exports of February 2012 and January 2013 respectively.

The exports of fish and fish preparations in February 2013 were recorded at $19.731 million against the exports of $20.965 million in February 2012 and $23.240 million in January 2013.

In terms of quantity, the seafood exports in February 2013 decreased by 10.63 percent and 15.79 percent when compared to the exports of February 2012 and January 2013 respectively. 
Source: http://pakobserver.net

Fruit Logistica 2013: firms get over euro 2.5 million orders

February 08, 2013 GHULAM ABBAS

Pakistani fruit firms and organisations exhibiting fresh fruits and vegetables in 'Fruit Logistica 2013', the most important business and communication arena of the international fresh produce trade being held here in Germany, have received an estimated import orders worth 2.5 million euro during two days of the show.  

According to the country's leading exporters response of the mega event was very encouraging that despite the lack of much innovation, presentation and competitive marketing tools, Pakistani products were being liked and accepted by the visitors, buyers gathered from across the globe.

According to representatives of Pakistani firms including Sheikh International, Durrani Associates, Zulfiqar & Co, FA international, Seven Star International, KP Enterprises, Roshan enterprises, Iftikhar Ahmed & Co, Jahanzeb Muhmand &co, Nazir and Sons and others, they have stuck deals with world renowned companies for export of Kinnow, Mango, Potato, Bair, other vegetables and dry fruits.

Shehzad Sheikh of Sheikh Enterprise claimed that good business deals and commitments have been made with various firms of Scotland, England and Germany. Business relations with a Berlin based firm has been restored after a long time, he said. Representative of Durrani Associates said that around $2 million worth import deal has been made with some eastern European countries for export of processed mango this year.

According to Fawad of Eftikhar Ahmed and Co, successful meetings have been held with leading firms from Ukraine, Russia, Bangladesh, Jordan, United Kingdom and others. A couple of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were also being signed with some European firms.

Good responses from French, Thai and Turkish companies have been received in two days of the mega show, said representatives of Imtiaz Enterprise. According to Jahanzaib Khan of Jahanzeb Muhmand and co, his company has received better response this year from Bahrain, Kuwait Dubai and London-based companies.

Talking to Business Recorder, Dean Hayden, representative of a London-based firm 'International Produce' working with US-based firm ASDA, said that his company had already imported thousands of tonnes mango from Pakistan last year. 'We were not meeting the demand of mango especially in the holy month Ramazan as Pakistani and Indians in the United Kingdom liked the fruit," he said adding that each mango was being sold in separate boxes with good display and presentation.

"With over 60 big stores in Europe, we need around 6000 boxes daily. We are planning to visit Pakistan and inspect facilities there for further imports of the fruit," he said. Amir Hautemann, head of product management and sales of Total Produce of Netherlands, which imports Kinnow from Pakistan, told Business Recorder that the 12.5 percent duty on imports of the fruit in Europe was the hurdle in increasing the volume of imports despite an increasing demand of the fresh fruit.

According to Waheed Ahmed, Chairman Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) the members of the association participating in the event and other organisations have collectively received estimated export orders worth 2.5 million euros during the first two days of the event. Though the final outcome of the show in Berlin could be examined by the end of the show, the response from buyers was encouraging. He stated that a couple of MoUs have also been signed with some foreign companies. Some new markets were likely to be tapped this year as firms from new countries have shown their interest in Pakistani mangoes, Kinnows and Potatoes.

"More focused work and effort is needed on the part of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) to improve the presentation and innovation of the country's stalls and pavilions," he said.

The lack of competitive presentation, display and marketing observed in the show were the key factors of deficiencies in Pakistani products as countries with limited varieties and quantity of agricultural products were also prominent in the exhibition just because of the display and decoration. Compact duration, focused appeal to the targeted groups and maximum effectiveness were the key features of prominent companies in the international event.

Earlier on Wednesday evening, Abdul Basit, Pakistani Ambassador in Berlin also visited Pakistani pavilion and stalls. Talking to Business Recorder, he said that the participation of large number of Pakistani firms, exhibitors and business delegation in the fruit show was very encouraging.

"Opportunities are here to tap more lucrative international markets as over 100 countries are participating in the mega fair," he said. He also welcomed the German Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumers Protection; Ms Ilse Aigner at Pakistani Pavilion set up with the help of TDAP. 
Source of Article:

China eyes five percent broken rice from Pakistan, Vietnam

January 22, 2013

RECORDER REPORT

Chinese demand looks likely to act as a partial safety valve for an amply supplied rice market for a second year running, as the world''s top consumer of the grain takes advantage of global prices around 25-30 percent below record domestic levels.

Still, Chinese demand looks unlikely to bail out Thailand - where a government rice buying scheme has built up stocks equal to half of global annual trade - as cheaper Vietnamese and Pakistani grain snatch the lion''s share of business. China''s rice imports jumped five-fold in 2012 to 2.6 million tonnes, making it the world''s second largest buyer after Nigeria. While it might import a bit less this year, the country will still tap bumper global supplies to ease record-high domestic prices and top up stockpiles. Global rice prices, which have fallen on Thai stocks and India''s booming exports, could find a floor on the back of this demand.

"Domestic prices are high so there is motivation for trading companies to increase imports," said an analyst with official think-tank China National Grain and Oils Information Centre (CNGOIC). "Bumper rice harvests in most Asian countries will keep global rice prices far below domestic prices."

The price of 5 percent broken rice in Vietnam has fallen 14 percent from its 2012 peak, with the market on track for a third consecutive month of decline. The 100 percent B grade Thai white rice is trading about 10 percent below last year''s high. At the same time, long-grain milled rice in China''s largest growing province of Hunan was quoted at a record 3,820 yuan per tonne in December, up 6 percent from the beginning of the year. China''s rice prices rose in 2012 for a third year in a row. The CNGOIC forecasts China''s rice imports in 2012/13 at 2 million tonnes, down from 2.85 million tonnes shipped a year earlier but enough keep the nation among top importers in the world.

Last year the market was dominated by Vietnam and Pakistan, and the two look likely to emerge on top again this year. China bought around 2 million tonnes of Vietnamese rice in 2012, a surge of more than six-fold from around 310,000 tonnes in 2011, according to Vietnam Customs data. The balance came from Pakistan. Vietnamese and Pakistani 5 percent broken rice in the Chinese market is quoted around $420-$425 a tonne, including cost and freight, compared with domestic price of similar variety being offered around $600 a tonne.  

Courtesy Business Recoder

A. M. Awan (Author)

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A M Awan Currently working as Marketing Executive at Oasis Agro Industries Pakistan, and hobbies to read about agriculture, share latest information with others