Agriculture Minister Farrukh Javed has said Russia is a huge and lucrative market for our agricultural commodities. Pakistani agricultural commodities are of international standards and best flavour. We have exported record amount of Kinnow this year which crossed the psychological barrier of $200 million.
The minister said, "We are planning to increase co-operation in research and development with Russia in agriculture sector. The Punjab government is interested in increasing exports of potatoes and oranges to Russia. He asked the Russian Delegation to give Pakistan preferred treatment for enhancement in bilateral trade between both the countries." His comments came in a meeting with a delegation of Russian Trade Representatives under the leadership of Yurk Kozlov on Thursday. Agriculture Extension Director General Dr Anjum Ali was also present.
The minister briefed the delegation about the latest developments in agriculture in his province and Pakistan. "The Punjab is exporting a large amount of potato, citrus and rice to the world in large and the Russian market is ideal for us. Pakistan's carotene department is working diligently and with its efforts high quality agricultural goods are being exported from Pakistan. Pakistan is interested in export of potatoes and rice to Russian Markets."
He also offered co-operation and assistance to the delegation and the government and invited the former to visit the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad. He said the bonds of friendship between the two countries would strengthen with the trade in the agricultural sector. Delegation leader Kozlov said his government, agriculture and technical experts were keen to have a strong bilateral trade relationship with Pakistan and thanked the people of Pakistan and invited the minister to an upcoming agricultural exhibition and a seminar in Russia to be held in October.