The Pakistani government directed authorities to develop a five-year roadmap to increase the export of kinnow fruit. Minister of State for Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath led a subcommittee meeting held on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Representatives from 41 different institutions and organisations attended the session. The committee reviewed the progress of a 60 percent tariff concession at Port Qasim.
Officials proposed establishing a "green channel" for the immediate customs clearance of perishable agricultural products. To facilitate transport across the Iran border, the meeting suggested arranging daily convoys.
The Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company must prepare the five-year roadmap within 15 days. A weekly refrigerated freight train running from Sargodha to Karachi and Quetta was proposed by the committee.
The Ministry of Railways was tasked with creating a feasibility report for the refrigerated train service. The State Bank of Pakistan informed the group that the maximum period for repatriating export proceeds is 120 days.
Dr. Bharath directed relevant authorities to extend financial instruments for exporters before 15 November 2026. Relevant departments were instructed to address valuation issues in Russia and import duties on Pakistani produce in the Philippines.
Last year, the government announced measures to improve the international recognition and export potential of Pakistani kinnow. Additional measures were announced to build the capacity of growers and exporters while registering new exporters for markets including Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.
