Islamabad: Pakistan and Russia held key discussions on Tuesday aimed at enhancing bilateral trade in the agriculture sector, with both sides committing to resolve trade barriers and deepen cooperation.
The meeting took place between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and the Ambassador of the Russian Federation. The minister highlighted challenges faced by Pakistan’s citrus and potato exports to Russia this year, stressing the urgency of overcoming these hurdles for stable trade ties.
He explained that Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) had conducted a thorough technical investigation in response to Russian concerns, particularly over alleged presence of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly. Scientific evidence, seasonal pest surveys, and lab reports found no justification for the claim.
As a result, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) withdrew its objection to citrus imports. The ambassador assured he would coordinate with relevant Russian authorities to also expedite the clearance of pending potato shipments.
