Minister reviews evolving export landscape in light of emerging regional challenges

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R), Rana Tanveer Hussain, on Wednesday underscored the government’s resolve to provide targeted transport subsidies and concessional freight support to the exporters in view of a sharp rise in transportation and freight costs owing to regional instability.

The minister said this while chairing the 4th meeting of the committee constituted on potato export. The meeting reviewed the evolving export landscape in light of emerging regional challenges and finalised urgent measures for safeguarding farmers’ interests.

The meeting was held against the backdrop of increasing logistical challenges affecting Pakistan’s access to key regional markets.

A senior official of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) informed participants that the prevailing war-like situation in Iran has rendered traditional transit routes unsafe, while the continued closure of the Afghanistan border has significantly curtailed overland connectivity with Central Asia.

Additionally, limited access to certain Gulf routes has further complicated export operations, resulting in higher freight charges and shipment delays.

In light of these developments, the committee deliberated on alternative and viable trade corridors to sustain export momentum. Under the prevailing circumstances, the most feasible route for accessing Central Asian markets was identified as transit through China. The government is actively engaging with relevant authorities to facilitate smoother trade flows via this corridor to ensure uninterrupted exports.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026