MANILA – The Philippines is cautiously considering rice imports from Pakistan as part of efforts to diversify its suppliers and deepen trade ties beyond its immediate neighbors, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said following a meeting with a visiting Pakistani delegation.

Tiu Laurel said the delegation expressed strong interest in supplying rice to the Philippines, citing surplus production in Pakistan. He said any potential imports would be calibrated based on domestic requirements as the country continues to pursue rice self-sufficiency.

“The Philippines welcomes Pakistani rice; but we will limit imports strictly to what the country needs,” Tiu Laurel said. “We will not over-import; food security comes first.”

The Philippines remains among the world’s largest rice importers, relying on overseas supplies to address shortfalls caused by weather disruptions, rising demand, and structural challenges in the agricultural sector. Tiu Laurel said the government continues to seek reliable international partners while strengthening local production.

He added that Pakistan’s proposal comes as Manila reviews its sourcing strategy to avoid overdependence on a single supplier, stressing that imports would remain a supplement to, not a substitute for, domestic output.

Beyond rice, the discussions also covered potential two-way trade in agricultural and non-agricultural products. Tiu Laurel said Pakistan has requirements for Indian buffalo meat and is open to importing more Philippine products, including coconuts, seaweeds, fish, and other agricultural commodities.

“This is about widening our engagement with countries that are not necessarily our near neighbors, in the spirit of world trade and cooperation,” Tiu Laurel said. “Countries need to help each other by exchanging products to strengthen food security on both sides.”

The Department of Agriculture said such partnerships form part of a broader strategy to stabilize supply chains amid global market volatility, climate risks, and geopolitical uncertainty. It said any prospective rice imports from Pakistan would still be subject to existing regulatory, sanitary, and quality requirements as negotiations and technical discussions continue.