Govt directs preparation of 5-year roadmap to boost kinnow exports

Islamabad - The Pakistani government has directed authorities to develop a five-year plan to enhance the export of kinnow, a citrus fruit. This proposal was discussed during a meeting of a subcommittee formed under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's guidance. The meeting involved representatives from 41 organizations and institutions. They reviewed the implementation of a 60 percent tariff concession at Port Qasim and explored ways to address exporters' challenges while increasing Pakistan's share in global citrus markets.

The committee proposed ensuring daily fruit convoys across the Iran border and suggested a "green channel" for immediate customs clearance of perishable agricultural products. The State Bank of Pakistan informed that the maximum repatriation period for export proceeds is 120 days. Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, the Minister of State for Health, directed the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company to prepare a five-year roadmap within 15 days to boost kinnow exports and promote value addition of citrus fruits.

A significant proposal was the operation of a weekly refrigerated freight train from Sargodha to Karachi and Quetta, with the Ministry of Railways tasked to prepare a feasibility report. The committee also directed departments to swiftly resolve issues related to import duties on Pakistani produce in the Philippines and additional valuation matters in Russia.

Dr. Bharath emphasized providing maximum facilities to exporters and urged practical measures to improve global market access. He stressed the importance of stronger coordination between public institutions and the private sector in expanding agricultural exports. Last year, the government launched initiatives to boost Pakistan's kinnow's global recognition, focusing on seedless kinnow, value-added products like juices and oils, capacity building for growers and exporters, and registration of new exporters for markets like Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries.