ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has approved the export of 40 food items, including meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, to Gulf countries via air and sea routes with no additional charges, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Wednesday, amid fears of food supply disruptions in Gulf markets due to Middle East conflict.
The ongoing US‑Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian attacks on US bases and interests in Gulf countries have led to widespread supply disruptions across the region.
In a review meeting on food supply to Gulf states and Pakistan’s ports amid regional tensions, Sharif said an exporters’ database was being prepared for trade with Gulf countries, while business-to-business meetings and webinars were also being organized.
“Special committee established to promote exports to Gulf countries has approved 40 food items for export, including rice, cooking oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, etc,” the PM House said in a statement.
“No additional charges will be applied for the export of vegetables, fruits and meat,” it added. “Air and sea open routes will be used for the export of food items.”
The statement said Sharif instructed officials to “proceed rapidly” with exports without affecting domestic food needs, while ensuring “complete monitoring” of supply and demand.
The PM Office added that no delays will be tolerated on the government’s part and officials will be held accountable for any lapses.
The decision follows Sharif’s directive to Pakistani officials last week to devise a plan for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries.
According to the statement, Sharif said transport rates were being reduced by 60 percent as he instructed officials to develop a plan to increase flight operations at Karachi, Gwadar and other major international airports in the country.
“Off-dock terminals have been authorized to handle transshipment to increase capacity,” the statement said. “Necessary amendments to customs laws have been made.”
It added that export facilitation desks had been activated at ports and “priority berthing” was being given to oil-carrying vessels at ports.
