Govt Plans 5-Year Incentives to Boost Kinnow Exports

The Pakistani government has instructed authorities to draft a five-year plan to boost the country's kinnow exports, tackling longstanding issues in transportation, customs clearance, and market access. This directive came during a meeting of a subcommittee established by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and led by Minister of State for Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath.

Over 40 organizations and institutions participated in the gathering. The committee examined advancements in the implementation of the prime minister's order to offer a 60% tariff reduction at Port Qasim, and debated actions to address exporters' grievances and broaden Pakistan's presence in global citrus markets. Dr. Bharath emphasized the need for better cooperation among federal ministries, government departments, and the private sector to aid exporters and improve access to international markets.

Proposals during the meeting included setting up daily convoys to transport kinnow across the Iran border and establishing a "green channel" for swift customs clearance of perishable agricultural goods. The State Minister mandated relevant authorities to extend financial instruments to exporters by November 15. The State Bank of Pakistan briefed the committee that the maximum timeframe for repatriating export earnings is 120 days.

The Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company has been tasked with formulating a five-year strategy within 15 days to augment exports and encourage value addition for kinnow and other citrus fruits.

The committee also suggested running a weekly refrigerated freight train from Sargodha to Karachi and Quetta, prompting the Ministry of Railways to prepare a feasibility report for the service. Departments were directed to urgently resolve issues related to import duties on Pakistani produce in the Philippines and valuation concerns in Russia.

Dr. Bharath stressed the importance of giving exporters the maximum possible support, highlighting the significance of stronger collaboration between public entities and the private sector in expanding agricultural exports.

Last year, the government unveiled initiatives to enhance the international reputation and export potential of Pakistani kinnow. These measures involved promoting seedless varieties and value-added citrus items like juices, concentrates, and essential oils; enhancing the skills of growers and exporters; and enrolling new exporters for markets such as Uzbekistan and other Central Asian nations.