Karachi, January 31, 2026 – The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has strongly welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recently announced relief and reform package, terming it a timely and much-needed boost for exporters and the industrial sector.
In a joint statement, REAP Acting Chairman Jawed Jillani and Group Chairman Abdul Rahim Janoo praised the prime minister for addressing key cost pressures faced by exporters, particularly in the rice sector, which has struggled amid rising input costs and subdued global demand over the past six months.
They highlighted that the relief package includes a reduction of Rs4.01 per unit in electricity tariffs, a significant cut in wheeling charges to below Rs9 per unit, and a sharp decrease in the export refinance scheme (EFS) rate from 7.5 percent to 4.5 percent. According to REAP leaders, these measures will directly lower production and financing costs, improving the competitiveness of Pakistani rice in international markets.
The association said the reduction in power tariffs will provide immediate relief to rice mills, while cheaper export financing will help exporters manage working capital more efficiently. They added that the reforms would enable exporters to recover from the decline witnessed during the last half of 2025.
REAP expressed confidence that with sustained government support and consistent policies, Pakistan’s rice exports could not only recover lost ground but potentially surpass last year’s export performance. The association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government to enhance exports, earn valuable foreign exchange, and support overall economic growth.