Pakistan can export food items to South Sudan - The Nation

LAHORE - State Investment Authority South Sudan Chairperson Joseph Kulang John has urged the rice exporters of Pakistan to establish links with importers of agricultural commodities of his country especially those importing rice to encash upon the huge potential of up to 0.4 million tons rice market of Pakistan.
He made these observations during his visit to the head office of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) the other day. He was accompanied by the Director General of South Sudan’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Development John Ijinu Lako. Former REAP Vice Chairman Taufiq Ahmad Khan and Pir Nazim Hussain Shah welcomed the distinguished guests and threw light on efforts being made by the Association for enhancing rice exports from Pakistan.
Joseph Kulang John said that although South Sudan is a new country but it has a sound financial system that allows business people to do their businesses in an environment conducive to cooperation with foreign traders. He said that he had seen Pakistani products especially rice while the Sudan was one country and he used to live in Khartoum.
He said that South Sudan is an oil-based economy and enriched with natural reserves such as petroleum and others. He said that being a new country South Sudan is dependent for its food requirements. He said there are opportunities for exporting food items such as wheat flour, rice, lentils and sugar.
He said that at present Pakistani products are reaching his country but through third party. He said direct links with exporters of rice and other agricultural commodities with his country’s importers will help both sides.
South Sudan’s State Investment Authority Chairperson said that they were also importing cement for their construction need. REAP former Vice Chairman Taufiq Ahmad Khan told the visiting guests that their association was the second biggest trade body of the country. Its members were exporting rice to over 100 countries and exports include different varieties including premium quality Basmati.