The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) has achieved a significant milestone by resolving the long-standing issue of cherries’ market access from Pakistan to China.
Breaking the Barrier: Market Access Confirmed
The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) has officially granted permission to Pakistani exporters to ship cherries from registered orchards and packhouses, as confirmed by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
A Journey of Persistence
This achievement comes after 12 years of perseverance as the market access request was initially made in 2012. The breakthrough was made possible following a thorough video inspection of quarantine procedures, registered orchards, cold treatment facilities, and packhouses. All these facilities were registered with DPP, ensuring compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary measures, leading to the green signal for cherries’ export to China.
Paving the Way for Future Exports
With 90 cherry orchards and 15 cold treatment facilities & packhouses now authorized to export cherries to China, Pakistan’s agricultural sector gains a gateway to explore further opportunities in international markets. The success in meeting China’s quality standards opens doors for potential exports to high-end markets in Asia, Europe, the US, and Australia.