The International World Rice Conference in Manila has brought together key stakeholders from across the global rice value chain, providing a valuable platform to explore emerging trends in rice trade, research, innovation, production and sustainability, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Dr Asima Rabbani said here on Thursday.
International Rice Conference offers platform to deepen research, innovation in global rice trade: Ambassador Rabbani
MANILA, Oct 08 (APP): The International World Rice Conference in Manila has brought together key stakeholders from across the global rice value chain, providing a valuable platform to explore emerging trends in rice trade, research, innovation, production and sustainability, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Dr Asima Rabbani said here on Thursday.
Addressing the conference in Manila organized by rice exporters, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Dr Asima Rabbani said the gathering provided an important opportunity for rice-producing and consuming countries, researchers, traders, importers, exporters and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and develop stronger partnerships.
The Ambassador said that the conference offered participants an opportunity to understand the rapidly evolving global rice trade, learn about new research and technological innovations, and engage with institutions and researchers working to improve rice production, productivity and sustainability.
“The conference brings together the entire rice value chain, from research and technology to farmers, traders, importers and exporters,” Dr Rabbani said.
She expressed the hope that the platform would help promote greater cooperation in research and knowledge-sharing while creating opportunities for stronger commercial partnerships and expanded international rice trade.
“I believe this platform can facilitate not only greater engagement in research and knowledge-sharing, but also stronger commercial partnerships and trade opportunities,” she said.
The ambassador highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between Pakistan and the Philippines in the rice sector, describing rice as not only a major commodity in bilateral trade but also a symbol of a longstanding connection between the two countries.
Dr Rabbani recalled that Pakistan’s association with the Philippine rice sector dates back to the 1960s, when the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in the Philippines, played a pioneering role in rice research and development.
She said Pakistan benefited from the cooperation, including through the introduction of the IRRI-6 rice variety.
The ambassador noted that the longstanding connection had now taken a new dimension, as Pakistan was exporting IRRI-6 rice back to the Philippines.
“In a way, this is your rice coming back to you cultivated, produced and exported by Pakistan,” she said, highlighting the unique link between research cooperation, agricultural development and international trade.
Dr Rabbani said Pakistan was prepared to further strengthen its partnership with the Philippines in the rice sector and was ready to supply at least one million metric tonnes of rice annually, subject to mutually agreed commercial and policy arrangements.
She said Pakistan could serve as a reliable and competitive partner for meeting the Philippines’ growing rice requirements while offering quality, diversity and supply security.
The ambassador urged Philippines and Pakistani traders, researchers and other stakeholders attending the conference to use the platform to establish long-term partnerships, exchange expertise and explore new avenues for expanding bilateral rice trade.
She also emphasized the importance of linking research and innovation with commercial opportunities so that advances in rice production could translate into greater productivity, sustainability and food security.
“Let us take the rice that connects our history and use it to build an even stronger future together,” Dr Rabbani said.
The ambassador congratulated the conference organizers, rice traders, importers, exporters, researchers and all other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to bringing the international gathering together.
She expressed the confidence that continued engagement among participants would contribute to greater knowledge-sharing, stronger business linkages and enhanced cooperation across the global rice sector.
The International World Rice Conference serves as a forum for stakeholders to discuss developments in the rice industry and explore opportunities for collaboration in research, technology, production, trade and sustainable agricultural practices.
