A sub-committee constituted on the directives of the Prime Minister to increase kinnow exports held an important meeting under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharath.
The meeting focused on measures to enhance the export of kinnow and other citrus fruits. A total of 41 representatives of relevant institutions attended the session.
The participants reviewed the implementation of a 60 per cent tariff concession at Port Qasim in line with the Prime Minister’s directives. They also considered key steps to increase Pakistani kinnow exports and address issues being faced by exporters.
The meeting agreed to strengthen coordination among federal ministries, government departments and the private sector for the promotion of agricultural exports.
Dr Mukhtar Bharath said steps should be ensured to facilitate kinnow exporters and improve access to international markets.
The meeting proposed ensuring the availability of daily convoys at the Iran border for the transportation of fruit. It also proposed the introduction of a green channel for swift customs clearance of perishable agricultural products.
The authorities were directed to take steps for extending exporters’ financial instruments before November 15. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the maximum prescribed period for repatriation of export proceeds is 120 days.
Dr Bharath directed the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company to prepare a five-year roadmap within 15 days for value addition and increasing exports of kinnow and other citrus fruits.
The meeting also proposed running a weekly refrigerated freight train from Sargodha to Karachi and Quetta. The Ministry of Railways was directed to prepare a feasibility report for the refrigerated freight train.
Relevant institutions were also asked to ensure immediate steps to resolve issues relating to import duty in the Philippines and additional valuation matters in Russia.
