Uzbekistan Approves 184 Pakistani Kinnow Exporters Ahead of Season

ISLAMABAD: In a significant boost for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, Uzbekistan’s Food Safety Committee has granted access to 184 kinnow exporters and 39 packhouses from Pakistan to enter the Uzbek market. This approval, announced on Tuesday, comes just in time for the upcoming kinnow export season.

The decision is particularly crucial given the ongoing border closures with Afghanistan, which has historically been a key market for Pakistani fruits, especially kinnow and mangoes. The approval allows exporters registered with Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to export their products, provided they meet the necessary regulatory and phytosanitary standards.

This development is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s kinnow exports and strengthen its foothold in Central Asia, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding agricultural trade. The achievement is the result of coordinated diplomatic and technical efforts involving the Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), DPP, and Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Counsellor in Uzbekistan.

Looking ahead, stakeholders anticipate that this access will not only boost export volumes but also pave the way for future trade agreements. The upcoming kinnow season is expected to see increased shipments to Uzbekistan, potentially offsetting losses from the Afghan market.