Islamabad : Caretaker Federal Minister Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik held meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Mr. Jamshid A. Khodjaev here regarding bilateral trade in agricultural commodities.
Caretaker Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research (NFS&R) said that DPP will extend all facilitations to enhance bilateral trade of agricultural goods between Pakistan and Uzbekistan under provisions of Pakistan Plant Quarantine Rules 2019.
Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik said that Pakistan is exporting Rice, Potato, Kinnow, Fresh Mango, Sesame seeds, Dried chilies, Bamboo sticks etc to Uzbekistan, which needs to be further enhanced. He said that Pakistan granting market access to Uzbekistan for other goods like watermelon, cherry, melon, lemon, hot pepper and peach etc. The technical desk of the department is evaluating the PRA information for further proceedings.
The Minister said that in 2022-23 Pakistan exported various animal products and by products to Uzbekistan worth R. 14,057 million that mainly include meat and meat product and poultry eggs. He said that Pakistan is rich in goat genetic resources and ranks as the third largest goat producing country globally, Pakistan is home to approximately 25 distinct goat breeds with an estimated population of 87.4 million each with its own unique characteristics and attributes.
Caretaker Federal Minister said that efforts have been made to strengthen economic times between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, both countries are part of regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik said Uzbekistan has a diverse economy with agriculture, natural resources and manufacturing playing key roles.