Pakistan and Uzbekistan have decided to increase cooperation in the area of plant quarantine. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research of Pakistan and the Agency of the Plant Protection and Quarantine of the Republic of Uzbekistan will carry out the necessary practical operations under the agreement. Director General, the Agency of the Plant Protection and Quarantine, Ibrohim Ergashev said that it is very important to share the mechanisms for pest control between the two countries.

National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) of the two countries will also share experience through seminars and trainings, and increase coordination on the export consignments between the two countries. The two ministries will also work to increase the trade volume between the two countries, especially in plants and their products.

Uzbek delegation expressed their appreciation that Pakistan had granted market access to Uzbek pomegranate, plum, persimmon, fig, and grapes. Pakistan, likewise, expressed gratitude that Uzbekistan had granted market access to Pakistani mango and onion. It was also decided that Pakistan will send a delegation for on-the-spot inspection of phytosanitary system, production sites, processing establishments and packing houses.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Tariq Bashir Cheema; Secretary National Food Security and Research, Zafar Hassan, and Director Technical Quarantine Department of Plant Protection, Muhammad Shahzad Sohail, also attended the ceremony.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk