Daijiworld Media Network - Karachi
Karachi, Nov 25: Marking a significant upswing in regional trade ties, Pakistan is set to export 1,00,000 tonnes of rice to Bangladesh—the largest-ever consignment between the two nations. The announcement follows a tender issued last week by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), reflecting strengthened relations since the ouster of former Bangladeshi premier Sheikh Hasina in August last year.
According to TCP officials, the fresh tender builds on the earlier shipment of 50,000 tonnes sent in February this year when both countries resumed government-level rice trade.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development. Rice exporter Waqar Ahmed, who operates mills in Punjab, said the deal comes at a crucial time as Pakistan’s rice exports dipped by 28% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26.
He attributed the slowdown to complex government regulations, India’s resumption of rice exports last year, and policy shifts such as the removal of the basmati minimum export price and zero-rating on rice exports.
Despite challenges, Ahmed noted opportunities emerging in global markets. “Pakistani exporters have been competing well with India since last year, and we have strong prospects in the American market because of the 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian goods, including basmati rice,” he said.
The tender deadline has been set for November 28, with strict conditions on rice quality and a minimum bid quantity. The TCP has stipulated that the rice must be ready for shipment within 45 days of the contract award.
Diplomatic momentum has also contributed to the expanding trade. The caretaker government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has taken a proactive approach to strengthening ties with Islamabad. During the Joint Economic Commission meeting in Dhaka in October 2025, Pakistan even offered Bangladesh the use of the Karachi Port Trust to widen its trade access to Central Asia, China, and other regional markets.
With trade barriers easing and fresh avenues emerging, exporters say the historic rice shipment could mark a new chapter in Pakistan–Bangladesh economic cooperation.