Netherlands (Lord Media): The Pakistan Rice Festival 2026 was held in the Netherlands, attracting over 100 business and food industry leaders from across Europe. Pakistani Ambassador Syed Haider Shah stated that Pakistani basmati rice is exported to more than 100 countries worldwide and is gaining popularity among global consumers due to its unique qualities.
The ambassador further emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to quality and adherence to international food safety standards in the agricultural and food products sector. He described Pakistani basmati as a unique brand protected under Geographical Indication (GI).
The festival included detailed briefings on agricultural and food cooperation prospects between Pakistan and the Netherlands. Traditional and modern dishes made from Pakistani basmati rice were also showcased.
The Netherlands is one of Pakistan’s most significant export markets within the European Union, with bilateral trade volume reaching approximately 1.94 billion U.S. dollars. The Pakistan Rice Festival 2026 is part of the embassy’s broader economic diplomacy strategy aimed at boosting exports.
