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BEIJING (China): Pakistan has formally approached the Chinese government, seeking quarantine certificate to introduce its high quality rice in the local market.

A senior Pakistani official said that they are negotiating with the Chinese side to get permission as soon as possible. We are confident that Pakistani rice can find a big market in China, since its quality is much better than the rice that is currently being imported from Thailand.

'We see good prospects especially for basmati rice,' the official added. Some
Chinese companies have already shown interest to buy Pakistani rice.

New Trend

With the improvement of living standard in China, there is a growing trend to eat imported and good quality rice.

China has purchased about 300,000 tonnes Thai rice last year. The Chinese government announced this week that import of rice will increase, due to its declining production in the past four years. The country's rice reserve has dropped dramatically.

Rica and Grain

Sources say, China will encourage the import of rice and grain in the coming years, while cutting down on export subsidies to local producers. Imports of cotton and oil-yielding plants will also increase, as domestic supply cannot meet the demand.

The demand for cotton coming year is expected to be 6.5 million tonnes, 1.6 million tonnes more than domestic production. Experts predict cotton imports will hit 1.4 million tonnes.

A Chinese official said, China is engaged in reinforcing the hygienic quarantine system covering imported agricultural products, such as animals and plants, to ensure that no alien diseases or pests come to China.

A detailed regulation on labelling genetically modified food and plants will be promulgated. Government departments at all levels should strictly control such products to reduce possibility of damage to the environment, he added.