Pakistan targets Uzbek potato market as regional supply tightens

KARACHI: Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) organised a webinar on January 23 on phytosanitary certification processes for potato exports, aiming to streamline export compliance and boost market access.

The event comes as Pakistan’s potato export season begins, with annual production at 8.3 million metric tonnes (MMT) and export volumes exceeding 750,000 tonnes. The webinar featured insights from Dr Khalid Zafar of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), who outlined procedures for obtaining phytosanitary certificates, a key requirement for export shipments. His session addressed documentation, inspection standards, pest management and adherence to global trade regulations.

Highlighting market opportunities, Attaullah, Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Counsellor in Tashkent, revealed Uzbekistan’s heavy reliance on potato imports. With local production at 3 MMT versus annual consumption of 4.3 MMT, Pakistan supplies 50 per cent of Uzbek imports. He noted that Kazakhstan’s six-month export ban on potatoes could allow Pakistan to expand its market share further. Attaullah also detailed regulatory requirements for entering the Uzbek market.

Exporters and industry professionals attending the session commended PHDEC for its initiative, recognising the importance of enhancing compliance and tapping emerging export opportunities.