Pakistan is examining an alternative trade corridor through China to maintain potato exports to Central Asia after regional instability disrupted established transit routes and sharply increased freight costs.
The proposal was reviewed at the fourth meeting of the Committee on Potato Export, chaired by Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research. The session focused on assessing export challenges and outlining measures to protect growers from financial losses.
Officials informed the committee that the conflict situation in Iran has rendered key transit routes unreliable, while the continued closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has further constrained overland access to Central Asian markets. Exporters have also faced limitations on certain Gulf shipping routes, compounding logistical difficulties.
Participants identified the China corridor as the most practical option for ensuring uninterrupted access to Central Asian destinations. Relevant authorities are working on operational arrangements to streamline cross-border movement and reduce delays along this route.
The minister indicated that the government is also evaluating transport subsidies and concessional freight support to offset escalating logistics expenses and sustain export volumes.
