Pakistan to Export 70,000 More Tonnes of Rice to Malaysia

Pakistan is set to ship an additional 70,000 tonnes of rice to Malaysia in the final quarter of 2026, securing a valuable export order for the country’s farmers and millers. The Pakistan rice exports Malaysia deal covers shipments from October to December and follows direct intervention by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The extra volumes were confirmed after the prime minister issued directives to remove bottlenecks holding back rice exports, underlining the government’s push to lift agricultural shipments and earn precious foreign exchange.

PM’s directives on exports

According to reports in the Tribune and Profit on October 3, the prime minister ordered officials to clear the way for the additional Malaysian shipments and ensure exporters face no unnecessary hurdles. The move is part of a broader effort to make Pakistani rice more competitive in international markets.

Regulatory reforms ordered

Alongside the rice deal, PM Shehbaz Sharif directed sweeping regulatory reforms to improve the business environment. He ordered the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act, aimed at cutting red tape and simplifying procedures for traders and investors.

Business leaders have long complained that cumbersome regulations add to the cost of exporting. The promised reforms, if implemented in letter and spirit, could lower those costs and help Pakistani products compete more effectively abroad.

Why rice matters

Rice is one of Pakistan’s top agricultural exports and a major source of foreign exchange. Pakistani basmati and coarse rice varieties enjoy strong demand in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, with Malaysia among the steady buyers.

The additional 70,000 tonnes will not only earn valuable dollars but also support farm incomes at a time when growers face rising input costs for fertiliser, fuel and labour.

Key facts

• Additional exports: 70,000 tonnes of rice to Malaysia.
• Shipment window: October to December 2026.
• PM’s role: Directives issued by PM Shehbaz Sharif to secure the shipments.
• Reforms: Regulatory overhaul and Ease of Doing Business Act implementation ordered.
• Reported by: Tribune and Profit, October 3, 2026.

What to watch

Exporters will be watching closely to see whether the promised regulatory reforms materialise. If the government follows through, the rice deal with Malaysia could be the first of many — cementing Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable supplier in global food markets.

For now, the 70,000-tonne order is a welcome win for the country’s rice belt and a reminder of agriculture’s central role in Pakistan’s export story. With the fourth quarter traditionally strong for rice shipments, the Malaysian order sets a positive tone for the months ahead.