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ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):Pakistan has taken a major step toward improving its agricultural trade by hosting its first Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) Workshop in Islamabad.
The five-day workshop, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), aims to bring Pakistan’s plant health system in line with international standards.
Held at the FAO Representation Office, the workshop brings together experts from federal and provincial plant protection departments, academia, the private sector, and international technical agencies. It is part of a broader FAO project to strengthen Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures in Pakistan, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam.
Agricultural exports—including mangoes, citrus, rice, vegetables, and seafood—are vital to Pakistan’s economy. However, recurring rejections in foreign markets due to non-compliance with SPS requirements have hindered growth. The workshop is addressing critical areas such as pest surveillance, diagnostics, risk analysis, and export certification.
Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Mr Waseem Ajmal Chaudhary, emphasized that meeting international phytosanitary standards is essential for market access. “This workshop is a critical opportunity to assess and strengthen our systems in accordance with IPPC and WTO-SPS Agreement requirements,” he said at the opening ceremony.
FAO Representative in Pakistan, Ms Florence Rolle, highlighted the importance of plant health for food security, biodiversity, and trade. “The PCE process is a powerful tool to identify gaps and guide targeted interventions,” she noted.
Dr GC Yubak, Senior Agriculture Officer at FAO’s Asia-Pacific Regional Office, added that aligning with international standards will reduce pest risks and open new export opportunities for Pakistani farmers.
The PCE workshop supports a “One Health” approach, recognizing the connection between plant health, animal health, and food safety. It encourages institutional collaboration and early warning systems for pest and disease threats.
Findings from the workshop will contribute to a national strategy aimed at improving Pakistan’s SPS framework and unlocking its full potential in global agricultural trade.