ISLAMABAD: Under the proactive leadership of Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce, Pakistan’s kinnow exports have continued to register strong growth despite the closure of the Afghan market, highlighting the success of timely policy measures and export diversification efforts led by the Ministry of Commerce.
Despite the disruption of a traditionally significant export destination, the Ministry of Commerce, in close coordination with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, moved swiftly to facilitate exporters and redirect consignments toward alternative international markets.
These efforts ensured continuity in shipments and protected growers and exporters from potential losses.
According to official export figures, Pakistan earned approximately USD 40 million from kinnow exports within a span of just 45 days, covering the peak export period of December and the first half of January.
The data shows that exports maintained a steady pace throughout December, followed by sustained momentum during the first 15 days of January—an encouraging sign amid regional trade constraints.
The Federal Minister for Commerce lauded the collective efforts of the Ministry of Commerce team, TDAP, Pakistan’s trade missions abroad, exporters, growers, and logistics partners, acknowledging that the strong performance was the result of close coordination and shared commitment. Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that overcoming the impact of the Afghan market closure required a whole-of-government and whole-of-sector approach, and appreciated the dedication of officers and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to keep export channels open and competitive.
Officials attributed this performance to focused market outreach, enhanced trade facilitation, and close engagement with exporters.
Under Jam Kamal Khan’s direction, priority was given to expanding access to markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other non-traditional destinations, while ensuring compliance with international quality and phytosanitary standards.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan complemented these efforts through targeted export promotion, coordination with overseas trade missions, and continuous support to exporters in logistics and documentation. Improved coordination between federal authorities and the private sector helped maintain shipment schedules and preserve Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable citrus supplier.
The sustained export performance has provided critical foreign exchange earnings and reinforced confidence across the kinnow value chain, benefiting farmers, processors, packers, and exporters.
Stakeholders noted that the strong trajectory, despite external challenges, reflects the resilience of Pakistan’s agri-exports and the effectiveness of government-led export facilitation.
The continued momentum in kinnow exports is being viewed as a positive signal for the broader agricultural export sector, reaffirming the government’s commitment to export-led growth and market diversification under the stewardship of the Federal Minister for Commerce.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
