Uzbekistan Approves 184 Pakistani Kinnow Exporters Ahead of Season

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, Uzbekistan’s Food Safety Committee has granted access to 184 Pakistani kinnow exporters and 39 packhouses to enter the Uzbek market. This approval comes just ahead of the upcoming kinnow export season, as announced on Tuesday.

The decision is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing border closures with Afghanistan since October 2025, which has traditionally been a major export destination for Pakistani fruits, especially kinnow and mangoes. The approval allows exporters registered with Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to access Uzbekistan, contingent upon meeting relevant regulatory and phytosanitary requirements.

This milestone is expected to significantly boost Pakistan’s kinnow exports and enhance its presence in Central Asia. It reflects the government’s commitment to expanding agricultural trade, following coordinated diplomatic and technical efforts by various entities, including the Ministry of Commerce, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the Embassy of Pakistan in Uzbekistan.

Looking ahead, stakeholders anticipate that this development will lead to increased trade opportunities and economic benefits for Pakistani farmers and exporters. The upcoming kinnow export season is poised to be a crucial period for the industry, as it seeks to recover and thrive in new markets.