Karachi, Sheikh Umer Rehan, Special Assistant to the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has urged the Pakistani government to establish a 10-year policy for boosting local production of edible oils, including palm oil, to achieve self-sufficiency in the sector.

According to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Rehan highlighted Pakistan's heavy reliance on imported edible oils, which forms a substantial part of the country's import expenditures. He warned that without significant investment in local production, the import bill for these commodities could double in the near future, putting further strain on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.

Rehan noted that regions like Sindh and Balochistan offer favorable conditions for growing palm, mustard, and sunflower oils, and pointed to successful government-led experiments in these areas that have shown promising results. He emphasized the importance of government support and public-private partnerships to expand local production capacities, which would not only save foreign exchange but also meet growing domestic demand.

The call to action includes developing a conducive policy environment to encourage investment in the edible oil sector, aiming to lessen the economic burden of imports, secure food supply, and promote self-reliance. Rehan’s advocacy for this initiative reflects a broader strategy to bolster Pakistan’s economic resilience and food security through sustainable agricultural practices.