India, Pakistan bastmati traders to meet on July 18

As Pakistan reportedly plans to take legal action against India over a dispute on the patenting of Super Basmati rice, rice exporters of both the countries will meet in New Delhi on July 18 to discuss the prospects of joint registration and a joint export strategy.

"I have been invited by Vijay Setia, president of India Rice Exporters Association for talks in New Delhi on July 18," Rahim Janoo, a prominent rice exporter and former Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) said.

Karachi-based Janoo said Reap wants to play a role to resolve the differences between the two countries over the dispute on patenting of Super Basmati rice based on the geographical indicator.

"We will try to come to an understanding. We want both the countries to join, to prevent a third country from claiming patent on Basmati. It is our common heritage and we should look for a joint strategy to market it in the world," he said.

His comments were in response to a report by a newspaper here that Pakistan plans to file a case in the Supreme Court of India to challenge India's claim on Super Basmati.

Asked whether Reap's stand would be backed by the Pakistan government, he said his association carried the prestige and influence because of its standing.

"We will try to convince our government, failing which we have to follow the directives," he said.