KARACHI: Grace W Shelton Consul General of Unites States of America assured to extend support for the betterment of trade between Pakistan and USA here on Monday.

Rahim Janoo Chief Patron of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) hosted a reception in honour of Grace W. Shelton Consul General of Unites States of America in Karachi at his residence. On this occasion, Mohammadmian Soomro former chairman senate, Mahmood Moulvi Chairman REAP, Hadi Santoso Consul General of Indonesia, Deputy

High Commissioner of UK, Vice Consul of Malaysia as well as a huge Members of REAP and FPCCI were present.

Mahmood Moulvi Chairman REAP in his welcome speech briefed about rice export trade and REAP. Further he said that Pakistan exports good quality rice to USA and still there is a good potential to increase the market share in USA.

He also suggested to send a high profile REAP delegation to USA for forceful marketing and promotion of Pakistani rice in USA and requested Consul General to extend their cooperation to make this visit meaningful and fruitful.

Abdul Rahim Janoo, Chief Patron of REAP in his speech apprise the participants that Pakistan and USA are enjoying close relationship since Pakistan’s Independence 14th August, 1947 and United States is one of the largest bilateral trading partners of Pakistan.

United States has provided Pakistan with economic aid through loans and debt relief and is a major supplier of military equipment to Pakistan. U.S. civilian assistance to Pakistan facilitates cooperation fostering a more stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan and

region, which is in the interest of both countries, he added.

Janoo said that it is focused on energy; economic growth, including agriculture; community stabilization of underdeveloped areas; education; and health. He also proposed to hold a Biryani Festival in USA hosted by REAP members, which will be instrumental to increase the rice exports to USA.

While addressing the gathering, Grace W. Shelton appreciated the proposal of Rahim Janoo for holding Biryani Festival and assured to extend their full cooperation in this regard. She thanked Rahim Janoo to hold this wonderful gathering in her honor and said the USA will continue to extend their support for the betterment of trade.

She also informed the participants that there is an important trade exhibition will be organized in Jan/Feb 2017 and she invited the participants to also attend this import event.

Lastly, a question answer session was conducted, some leading rice exporters asked various technical questions which were answered by Frank P. Talluto, Economic Officer of USA Consulate.

In the end, Rahim Janoo, Chief Patron of REAP and Mahmood Moulvi Chairman REAP presented REAP’s Memento to Consul General of USA.—PR