Islamabad, 09 January 2025 — The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), organized an interactive Zoom session titled “Russia Market Re-Opening for Pakistani Potatoes: Current Issues and Way Forward.” The session was held in view of the commencement of the potato season in Punjab and the availability of export-grade potatoes, with a focus on expanding export destinations and reopening the strategically important Russian market amid a bumper crop estimated at 12 million tons.
The session brought together key public and private sector stakeholders, including Ms. Shabana Mumtaz, Minister (Trade & Investment), Moscow, representing the Trade Mission Russia, along with representatives from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), Pest Warning Wing (Government of Punjab), Pakistan Fruits & Vegetables Association (PFVA), and leading potato exporters. Participants highlighted the urgency of market diversification, especially in light of restricted access to traditional markets.
Ms. Shabana Mumtaz briefed participants on the status of engagement with Rosselkhoznadzor (NPPO Russia) and explained that the ban imposed in May 2025 was due to phytosanitary concerns related to Potato Tuber Moth and Spotted Wilt Virus. She informed that Pakistan’s official technical response has already been shared with the Russian authorities; however, feedback is still awaited. DPP officials reiterated that extensive surveys and technical analyses conducted jointly with the Pest Warning Department found no evidence of the reported pests or diseases in Pakistan, and a comprehensive technical report has already been submitted to NPPO Russia.
Private sector representatives emphasized that lifting the ban through government-to-government engagement is the only sustainable solution, rather than routing exports through third countries. Proposals were made to establish a dedicated technical working group comprising MoC, DPP, TDAP, PHDEC, PFVA, the Government of Punjab, and Russian counterparts to coordinate all technical and diplomatic efforts. The Government of Punjab reaffirmed its willingness to facilitate inspection visits by Russian authorities, as done in the past.
Concluding the session, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan underscored that proactive engagement with Rosselkhoznadzor remains the key to resolving the issue and reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate technical consultations and field visits. Participants agreed on a clear way forward, including intensified follow-up with NPPO Russia, resubmission of consolidated technical dossiers, and enhanced pre-export inspection and phytosanitary controls once the market reopens.
