Pakistan has accelerated efforts to diversify its rice export strategy by targeting new markets in Africa, Central Asia, and the Far East while opening alternative trade corridors to maintain uninterrupted exports amid regional shipping disruptions.
Officials said the government is reducing reliance on traditional export destinations and strengthening overland and maritime trade routes as rising freight charges, vessel rerouting, and higher insurance costs continue to affect global supply chains.
According to official documents, authorities have introduced measures to simplify export procedures and improve trade efficiency. The Department of Plant Protection integrated certification systems with the Pakistan Single Window platform, allowing exporters to process phytosanitary certificates online. More than 85 percent of certificates are now issued within 24 hours, significantly reducing shipment delays.
The Ministry of Commerce has also granted temporary exemptions on financial instrument requirements for exports to Iran and Central Asian states through land routes, including rice shipments. The move aims to encourage exporters to use alternative trade corridors amid disruptions in conventional routes.
Pakistan recently activated new overland trade connections to Central Asia through Iran and China, including a transit corridor to Kyrgyzstan under the TIR system. Trade experts believe these routes could expand Pakistan’s agricultural footprint in emerging markets and strengthen regional connectivity.
Pakistan exports rice to more than 150 countries and remains one of the world’s leading rice producers, generating nearly 9 to 10 million metric tons annually with a substantial export surplus.