Islamabad, Caretaker Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, met with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Jamshid A. Khodjaev, in Islamabad to discuss the expansion of bilateral trade in agricultural commodities.

According to Press Information Department, Dr. Malik emphasized that the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) will provide all necessary facilitation to boost the agricultural trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan under the Pakistan Plant Quarantine Rules 2019.

The Minister highlighted that Pakistan currently exports various agricultural products to Uzbekistan, including rice, potatoes, kinnow, fresh mango, sesame seeds, dried chilies, and bamboo sticks. Efforts are underway to enhance this list by granting market access to Uzbekistan for additional goods such as watermelon, cherry, melon, lemon, hot pepper, and peach. The technical desk of the department is actively evaluating the Phytosanitary Risk Analysis (PRA) information for further proceedings.

Dr. Malik also mentioned that in the fiscal year 2022-23, Pakistan exported animal products and by-products worth Rs. 14,057 million to Uzbekistan, primarily comprising meat, meat products, and poultry eggs. He noted Pakistan’s prominent position as the third-largest goat-producing country globally, with an estimated goat population of 87.4 million and approximately 25 distinct breeds.

The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, highlighting their membership in regional organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He concluded that Uzbekistan’s diverse economy, encompassing agriculture, natural resources, and manufacturing, complements Pakistan’s economic landscape.