ISLAMABAD, Sep 04 (APP):Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, has called for a decisive shift from exporting raw agricultural commodities towards high-value, processed and internationally certified agro-food products. He was addressing the third session of the Strategic Dialogue Series on “Unlocking Pakistan’s High-Value Export Potential,” focused on the agriculture sector. The dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special …
Ihsaan Afzal calls for shift from raw commodities to high-value agricultural exports
ISLAMABAD, Sep 04 (APP):Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, has called for a decisive shift from exporting raw agricultural commodities towards high-value, processed and internationally certified agro-food products.
He was addressing the third session of the Strategic Dialogue Series on “Unlocking Pakistan’s High-Value Export Potential,” focused on the agriculture sector. The dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives under the leadership of Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal.
Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan said Pakistan possessed a strong agricultural base, but its full export potential can only be realized through greater value addition, improved quality, internationally recognized certification and diversification into new markets.
“We must move beyond undifferentiated commodity exports and transform our agricultural strength into higher export earnings through processing, branding and value addition,” he emphasized.
The Coordinator highlighted the urgent need to strengthen food-processing facilities, modern packaging, cold-chain infrastructure and certification systems to improve the quality, shelf life and global competitiveness of Pakistani agro-food products.
He also called for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, supported by timely action from all relevant ministries, provincial governments, regulators and the private sector, to develop a more competitive, diversified and resilient agro-food export basket.
Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating exporters, addressing supply-chain constraints and positioning Pakistan as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural and food products in international markets.
