KARACHI: Russia has sought a list of Pakistani companies meeting quarantine standards of Moscow in a bid to enhance import of fruits, vegetables and other products from Pakistan.

In this connection, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will also be signed between Pakistan Fruit, Vegetables Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) and Russian quarantine department soon.

PFVA Co-Chairman Waheed Ahmed, who had recently headed 20 exporters’ group to Russia, said the Russian quarantine department had also planned to visit Pakistan after accepting the invitation of the PFVA.

He said the delegation had a fruitful meeting with Alexander Isayev, the head of Rossellkhoznadzor (Federal Services Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian Federation). Aftab H Khan, the deputy head of Pakistani mission in Russia, was also present.

The Russian officials were informed by Mr Waheed that the global good agricultural practices were being widely adopted in Pakistan. In view of the expected ban from European Union, the association, in collaboration with the government, had made a successful procedure to avoid the restrictions.

Implementation of the procedure has successfully kept Pakistan away from the EU ban this year on mango shipment to European countries.

He said many Pakistani exporters are willing to export potato and other agricultural products to Russia in view of the Russian ban on the same thing from EU. However, they needed to follow the quarantine demands of Moscow besides allowing more firms to export to the Russian market.

The Russian side, Waheed claimed, was also satisfied with measures taken by Pakistan for meeting quality demands. The quarantine department also agreed to send a delegation of experts to inspect the installation and facilities, including potato farm, pack houses and procedure of shipment in the country.

To formulate the procedure and documentation of the planned MoU, besides having direct interaction between the Russian department and PFVA, a committee will also be constituted by the association soon.

This MoU would help Pakistani exporters to resolve issues related to exporters quickly and it would also pave the way to get maximum share in Russian market where doors have been closed for EU, Australia and Canada.

The improved trade relations with Russia would also benefit the whole chain of exports, including farmers, traders and exporters.

Published in Dawn, September 21th, 2014

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