Interview with Mr Mahmood Baqi Moulvi – Chairman, M. M. Group of Companies
PAGE: TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR ORGANIZATION:
MAHMOOD BAQI MOULVI: Allah ta’aIa has been very kind to me. I started my career as a cadet in the Merchant Navy in 1977 and after that joined a shipping company in Karachi. In 1985, I opened my own shipping company and then in 1995 became a ship owner and expanded my shipping business into ship demolishing as well. In 2000, I diversified into rice trade and Alhamdulillah became the top rice exporter from Pakistan for two consecutive years. I further diversified into flour milling, seed crushing, edible oil refining and in the financial market having my own stock brokerage house M. M. Securities (Private) Ltd – member of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE) and Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX).
PAGE: YOUR VIEWS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE RICE SECTOR OF PAKISTAN:
MAHMOOD BAQI MOULVI: Pakistan rice sector is doing quite well. Our rice exports have reached $2.2 billion in the last few years. However, due to the global downfall in commodity prices, our exports are currently at $1.8 billion. Nevertheless, I see a lot of potential in the rice sector and expect our exports to grow at a progressive pace.
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PAGE: WHAT ROLE COULD GOVERNMENT PLAY FOR THE INCREASE IN EXPORT OF RICE?
MAHMOOD BAQI MOULVI: The government should look into methods to increase the yield of the crops. Pakistan is an agro-based economy with fertile land and a lot of potential. The government could provide incentives to promote the use of technological advancements in agriculture. Research and Development centers could be set up to develop new varieties offering better yields.
PAGE: WHAT ARE THE DEMANDS OF THE RICE EXPORTERS CURRENTLY?
MAHMOOD BAQI MOULVI: The rice exporters would like the continued support of the government to sustain the positive and progressive development and growth of Pakistan’s rice trade and industry.
PAGE: WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE NEW VARIETIES OF RICE IN PAKISTAN?
MAHMOOD BAQI MOULVI: The new varieties of rice particularly 1121 are doing well and a positive response is being received globally. The Middle East has appreciated the 1121 and exports are expected to grow.