Islamabad : Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held an important meeting with Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan, on the special directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with a focus on enhancing Pakistan’s rice exports to the Philippine market.
During the meeting, the Commerce Minister conveyed the Prime Minister’s keen interest in identifying priority markets for Pakistan’s rice exports and formally requested the Philippine leadership to consider additional procurement from Pakistan. He highlighted that Pakistan is currently on a strong agricultural output trajectory, with ample surplus rice stocks available for export, while maintaining consistent quality standards.
Jam Kamal Khan noted that global market dynamics have evolved with the re-entry of major suppliers, intensifying price competition. To address this, the Government of Pakistan has developed a mechanism to ensure benchmark price competitiveness, including financial bridging where required, so that Pakistani rice remains competitive while assuring buyers of quality and quantity. He emphasized that if Pakistan is able to closely match prevailing market prices, there is strong scope for expanding bilateral rice trade through institutional engagement between relevant authorities of both countries.
The Commerce Minister further informed the Ambassador that, on the Prime Minister’s instructions, Pakistan has identified the Philippines as one of the key partner countries for enhanced rice exports. He stressed that timely coordination between both sides would help materialize mutually beneficial arrangements, particularly in view of upcoming procurement tenders in the Philippines.
Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez welcomed Pakistan’s proactive outreach, describing it as a positive step toward deepening bilateral trade and investment relations. He acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding position among the top three rice suppliers to the Philippines and noted that Pakistan has strong potential not only to maintain but also to increase its market share. He informed that the forthcoming session of the Pakistan–Philippines Joint Economic Commission (JEC), expected to be held in February, would place rice trade high on its agenda.
Both sides reviewed progress on a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under negotiation between the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Philippines, envisaging government-to-government procurement over a multi-year period. It was noted that technical teams are in close coordination, with a Pakistani delegation scheduled to engage with Philippine counterparts to expedite finalization of the MoU ahead of upcoming tenders.
The meeting also discussed tariff-related considerations and the importance of addressing cost competitiveness to facilitate greater volumes of Pakistani rice exports. The Pakistani side underscored that early conclusion of the MoU would help manage surplus stocks and ensure continuity of supply to the Philippine market.
In addition to rice, the Commerce Minister briefly highlighted Pakistan’s interest in expanding exports of kinnow (mandarin) to the Philippines and requested that related tariff issues be considered through appropriate institutional forums, including the JEC.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination through diplomatic and commercial channels to translate discussions into concrete outcomes, reflecting the shared objective of strengthening Pakistan–Philippines trade relations in priority agricultural commodities.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
