KARACHI, April 20, 2026 – The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has expressed strong optimism regarding the cooling of tensions in the Middle East, attributing the positive shift to Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic efforts. According to REAP, this newfound regional stability could serve as a massive catalyst for national trade, potentially driving Pakistan’s total exports to a staggering $100 billion within the next three years.
Diplomacy Paving the Way for Trade
Muhammad Javed Jilani, Senior Vice Chairman of REAP, highlighted the “historic” role played by Pakistan’s leadership in averting a direct conflict between Iran and the United States. Speaking to PkRevenue, Jilani specifically lauded the strategic efforts of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“The recent visit of the Army Chief to Iran was a brave and excellent move that has significantly enhanced Pakistan’s global image,” Jilani noted. He believes that as the world embraces peace and dialogue, Pakistan will be positioned as a respected and reliable trade partner, opening doors to lucrative international markets.
Current Export Landscape and Rice Sector Performance
The ambitious $100 billion target comes at a time when Pakistan is working to rebuild its trade momentum. Currently, total exports stand at approximately $23 billion for the first nine months of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The rice sector, however, has faced significant headwinds due to the Gulf conflict and shipping blockades. Data reveals a challenging period for exporters:
• Total Rice Exports: Fell by 38% to $1.70 billion (July–March FY26), down from $2.76 billion in the previous year.
• Basmati Rice: Witnessed a 12% decline.
• Irri Rice: Experienced a sharp 47% plunge in export volume.
Strategic Recommendations
Despite the recent downturn, Jilani is confident that as peace efforts translate into logistical success, rice exports will rebound. To accelerate this recovery, he advocated for the government to provide appropriate subsidies for Irri rice, ensuring this segment remains competitive in the global market.
By leveraging its diplomatic success and focusing on sector-specific support, REAP believes Pakistan is on the cusp of an export revolution that could redefine the country’s economic future.