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ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Russia on Tuesday deliberated on key issues concerning bilateral trade in the agriculture sector and committed to deepening cooperation and addressing trade barriers.
The issues came up for discussion during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and the ambassador of the Russian Federation.
The minister highlighted the challenges faced by Pakistan’s citrus and potato exports to Russia during the current year. He emphasised the importance of resolving such issues to ensure smooth continuation of trade and mutual economic benefits.
He informed the ambassador that the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) had conducted a comprehensive technical investigation into the concerns raised by the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) of the Russian Federation. The DPP’s findings were supported by scientific literature, seasonal pest survey reports and laboratory results, which collectively demonstrated that claims of presence of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly in Pakistan were not substantiated. Following extensive technical exchange, the FSVPS withdrew the specific objection to citrus imports.
In response, the ambassador assured the minister that he would immediately take up the matter with relevant authorities in the Russian Federation to facilitate the clearance of potato consignments.
