Islamabad: In an unprecedented growth spurt, Pakistan’s exports of agricultural and food products have soared to new heights, marking a significant 37% increase from $5.8 billion to $8 billion in the last fiscal year.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the surge is attributed to the proactive measures taken by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Notable increases were recorded across several key commodities: rice exports hit $3.8 billion, sesame seeds reached $410 million, corn $421 million, meat $507 million, and onions $224 million. Additionally, fruits and spices have seen remarkable growth, with mango exports climbing by 12.74% and spices by 7.8%.

The Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) highlighted that the opening of the Chinese market for Pakistani meat has significantly boosted meat exports. Further expanding global market access, the SIFC and the Ministry of Commerce have successfully opened new markets in Jordan, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, and Egypt for meat exports. Notably, this year marked the first time Pakistan exported cherries to China, underscoring the expanding reach of the nation’s agricultural sector.