The Gambia Signs Rice Import Agreement With Pakistan to Bolster Food Security and Price Stability

By Makutu Manneh

The Gambia government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan to facilitate the importation of rice and other agricultural products, a move officials say is intended to strengthen food security and help stabilize domestic rice prices.

The agreement, signed on July 20, 2026, at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment in Banjul, establishes a government-to-government framework for agricultural trade between the two countries.

In a statement announcing the agreement, the ministry said the memorandum is designed to create a transparent and dependable mechanism for the supply of rice and other agricultural commodities from Pakistan to The Gambia. It also seeks to promote Gambian exports to Pakistan and other international markets through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan.

According to the ministry, the agreement provides a foundation for expanding bilateral trade by enabling both governments to identify additional products of mutual interest, strengthen institutional cooperation, exchange market information, and explore new investment opportunities.

Officials noted that Pakistan is internationally recognized as a major producer and exporter of high-quality rice, as well as a broad range of agricultural and industrial goods. They said the partnership is expected to complement the government’s efforts to ensure a reliable supply of rice while maintaining stable prices in the domestic market, an objective the ministry described as critical to achieving long-term food security.

Beyond rice imports, the ministry said the agreement is expected to open new commercial opportunities for Gambian exporters by providing access to Pakistan’s trade networks through the TCP.

To facilitate implementation, the ministry encouraged Gambian importers and exporters to engage directly with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. Businesses interested in trading under the agreement were advised to contact the Ministry of Trade for guidance and facilitation.

The ministry said the government remains committed to pursuing strategic international partnerships that support economic development, protect consumers, and strengthen the country’s food security through stable and diversified supply chains.