ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has assured exporters that Kinnow (mandarin) exports to Uzbekistan will continue smoothly during the upcoming season, after disruptions in the previous year.
During a meeting with Kinnow exporters led by Ahmed Khan of Milat Trading Company, Quetta, the minister said he would direct the concerned departments not to make fruit treatment mandatory for exports to Uzbekistan, as the importing country has no such requirement.
Ahmed Khan informed the minister that this year’s Kinnow crop is expected to be bumper, particularly in smaller sizes preferred in Central Asian markets, and that Pakistan can export between 20,000 to 25,000 metric tons to Uzbekistan alone. He added that further opportunities exist for expanding exports to other Central Asian countries, provided trade routes remain open and border movement through Afghanistan continues smoothly throughout the season.
Exporters emphasized that uninterrupted exports are essential this year, as the quality and quantity of Kinnow are both promising. “The smaller-sized fruit is in high demand in Uzbekistan and Russia, and we need to focus on these markets,” said another exporter.
Last year, Kinnow exports to Uzbekistan faced disruptions due to administrative issues and controversy over export documentation, which led to an inquiry by relevant authorities. Officials said measures have since been taken to ensure better coordination between exporters and regulatory departments to avoid a repeat of such problems.
The food minister assured that the government is committed to facilitating fruit exporters, removing unnecessary procedural hurdles, and promoting Pakistan’s agricultural products in new and emerging markets.
