Major boost for Pakistan’s citrus exports as approved exporters rise from eight last season; move expected to expand access to the Central Asian market

Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – Pakistan has secured a significant breakthrough ahead of the upcoming kinnow export season, with Uzbekistan’s Food Safety Committee approving 184 Pakistani kinnow exporters and 39 packhouses, marking a substantial increase from just eight approved exporters during the previous season.

The approval is expected to create new opportunities for Pakistan’s citrus industry and strengthen the country’s presence in the Uzbek and wider Central Asian markets.

Under the decision, Pakistani kinnow exporters registered with Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) will be eligible to access the Uzbek market, provided they fulfil the relevant regulatory and phytosanitary requirements.

The development is expected to facilitate greater exports of Pakistani kinnow, improve market access for exporters and further strengthen agricultural trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The achievement follows the Prime Minister’s directions to enhance Pakistan’s agricultural trade potential and is the result of coordinated diplomatic and technical efforts by several government institutions.

These include the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), Department of Plant Protection, the Trade and Investment Counsellor in Uzbekistan, and the Embassy of Pakistan in Uzbekistan.

The Government of Pakistan has appreciated the cooperation extended by the Government of Uzbekistan in facilitating access for Pakistani kinnow exporters.

The latest approval reflects growing bilateral cooperation in agricultural trade and provides an opportunity for Pakistan to expand its citrus exports into Central Asia.

The government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening trade relations with Uzbekistan and pursuing further agricultural market access opportunities for Pakistani exporters.