ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has assured that Kinnow (mandarin) exports to Uzbekistan will continue without disruption this season, following last year’s administrative challenges.
During a meeting with Kinnow exporters, led by Ahmed Khan of Milat Trading Company, the minister said that fruit treatment will not be made mandatory for exports to Uzbekistan, as the importing country does not require it.
Exporters shared that this year’s Kinnow crop is expected to be excellent, with an abundance of smaller-sized fruit—the type most popular in Central Asian markets. They estimated that Pakistan could export 20,000 to 25,000 metric tons of Kinnow to Uzbekistan alone.
Ahmed Khan added that there are also new opportunities for exports to other Central Asian countries, provided that trade routes through Afghanistan remain open and border movement continues smoothly.
Exporters stressed the importance of uninterrupted shipments this year, saying that the quality and demand for Kinnow in Uzbekistan and Russia are both high.
Last year, Kinnow exports to Uzbekistan were affected by administrative problems and documentation issues, leading to an inquiry. Officials said that better coordination between exporters and government departments has now been established to prevent such issues.
The minister reaffirmed that the government is committed to supporting fruit exporters, removing unnecessary hurdles, and promoting Pakistan’s agricultural exports in global and regional markets.
