South Sudan to import rice from Pakistan

March 24, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan will soon begin importing rice from Pakistan, joining the list of over 100 countries to which the latter exports its different varieties of cereal.

Joseph Kulang, the chairperson of the South Sudan Investment Authority, told the Pakistani-based The Nation newspaper that the country’s markets are open to rice from the Asian country.

He urged the country’s rice exporters to establish links with importers of agricultural commodities from the new nation in order to strengthen ties between the countries.

Kulang, who visited the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) last week, said the oil-based economy still heavily relies on food imported from its neighbours, with huge prospects for investments in agriculture.

He said a direct link between REAP members and South Sudanese business communities will eliminate the use of “third” parties and minimise complaints usually arising from citizens unable to find specific products on the market.

Currently, only about 4% of South Sudan’s arable land is reportedly utilised for agriculture, yet over 70% of the country’s population are engaged in the sector to improve their livelihoods.

Last month, however, the country’s agriculture and forestry ministry announced plans for a comprehensive master plan, seeking to revive the largely dormant sector, as part of plans to diversify the country’s economy.

Ex-REAP vice chairman Taufiq Ahmad Khan said his association, the second largest trade body in the country, was committed to ensuring smooth trade relations between Pakistan and South Sudan.

Pakistan is the world’s fourth largest producer of rice, after China, India and Indonesia. Each year, Pakistan reportedly produces an average of 6 million tonnes and together with the rest of the Indian subcontinent, is responsible for supplying 30% of the world’s paddy rice output.

(ST)