Pakistan stands as a significant player in the global potato market, boasting an annual production of approximately 7.8 million metric tonnes and exporting around 0.95 million metric tonnes of potatoes each year. The country’s export season typically spans from January to the end of April, with key importers including Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
In light of Pakistan’s position as one of the top 15 potato producers worldwide, the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) organized a webinar titled “Awareness Session on SPS Requirements of Potato Exports for Central Asian Countries.” The webinar aimed to enlighten entrepreneurs and potential potato exporters about the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations in Central Asian markets.
During the webinar, Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, CEO of PHDEC, extended a warm welcome to participants and outlined the objectives of the session. Emphasizing the importance of SPS compliance, the webinar addressed various facets such as introduction to SPS requirements, compliance procedures, packaging standards, documentation needs, certifications, and testing protocols essential for potato exporters.
Mr. Muhammad Aqeed Mehdi from the Department of Plant Protection highlighted the significance of phytosanitary measures in ensuring pest control and preventing the spread of pests. He stressed the need for maintaining phytosanitary security throughout the export process and post-treatment, underscoring the role of secure packaging and product traceability in safeguarding against pests.
Trade and Investment Counselors from Tashkent and Dushanbe underscored Pakistan’s export potential in markets like Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. They emphasized the growing demand for Pakistani potatoes in these regions, with Tajikistan importing a substantial portion of its potatoes from Pakistan annually. The counselors encouraged Pakistan to capitalize on the shifting potato import trends in Central Asia to expand its market presence.
Ms. Rizwana Qazi, Trade and Investment Counselor in Almaty, highlighted Pakistan’s significant share in Kazakhstan’s potato imports in recent years, indicating promising prospects for further collaboration. The collective efforts of Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) aimed to reassure the audience about the opportunities and potential for Pakistan to strengthen its foothold in the Central Asian potato market.
The webinar served as a platform to educate stakeholders on SPS requirements, market trends, and export opportunities in Central Asian countries, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and growth in Pakistan’s potato export industry.
