Govt. of Pakistan

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company
Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan

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Latest News
PHDEC’s Pavilion at FoodAg Manufacturing 2025 organized by TDAP

PHDEC’s Pavilion at FoodAg Manufacturing 2025 organized by TDAP

Opening of the Chinese Market for Pakistani Cherries (June 2024)

Opening of the Chinese Market for Pakistani Cherries (June 2024)

Cherries Nurseries Project

Cherries Nurseries Project

Chili Solar Tunel Dryuers

Chili Solar Tunel Dryuers

Mango Dehydration Facility at MNSUAM, Multan (EDF-funded)

Mango Dehydration Facility at MNSUAM, Multan (EDF-funded)

Career opportunities 17th May, 2026

Career opportunities 17th May, 2026

Vacancy Announcement CEO-PHDEC 17th May, 2026

Vacancy Announcement CEO-PHDEC 17th May, 2026

GCC Recommended Discharge Ports & Routes

GCC Recommended Discharge Ports & Routes

Procurement of Laptops & Printers

Procurement of Laptops & Printers

Certification Body for Guava GI

Certification Body for Guava GI

PHDEC Career Opportunities

PHDEC Career Opportunities

Latest from PHDEC

Product Videos

22 May, 2025, Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) hosted a webinar on the topic of ‘Control of Brown (June) Beetle in Olive Orchards’. The aim of the webinar was to educate and aware the olive growers that how to control Brown (June) beetle in Olive Orchards. Expert from Centre of Excellence for Olive Research & Training gave a detailed presentation on how to control brown (June) beetles in olive orchards, He mentioned that a multi-pronged approach is needed, including cultural practices, biological control, and, in some cases, chemical control. This involves removing infested trees, trapping adults, promoting beneficial insects, and using soil amendments. The presentation covered all aspects of Integrated pest management specifically control of Brown (June) Beetle in Olive Orchards in Pakistan. They further gave an overview of the olive sector development in Pakistan. CEFORT discussed the collaboration between various entities, including PHDEC and the Punjab Government, to promote olive cultivation, research, value addition and finally exports.
Webinar On Control of Brown (June) Beetle in Olive Orchards (22 May- 2025)
Pakistan's horticulture sector is on the verge of a breakthrough — and value addition is the key. In this episode, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan (Horticulture Consultant, PHDEC) sits down with the Honorable Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, to discuss how Pakistan can transform raw fruits and vegetables into globally competitive export products. From mangoes and cherries to chilies and bananas, Pakistan grows over 30 fruit and 35 vegetable varieties — yet much of this potential is lost to post-harvest waste and minimal processing. Minister Jam Kamal shares the government's push toward pulps, juices, and dehydrated products, aimed at attracting international investors, encouraging corporate farming, and building a modern, scientific supply chain with better cold storage and packaging. The conversation also covers PHDEC's recent milestones — including new dehydration units, cherry exports to China, over 1 million fruit bagging kits distributed to farmers, and $45 million in export deals facilitated at FoodAg-2025 — as well as the sector's biggest hurdles: low productivity, climate change, and gaps in food safety compliance. With exports nearing $32 billion in 2024–25, the Minister lays out a clear roadmap to hit $2 billion in horticulture exports within the next 3 years, tapping into a global market projected to reach $388 billion by 2034. #pakistan #horticulture #exports #PHDEC #jamkamal #valueaddition #agribusiness #madeinpakistan #exportgrowth #foodprocessing #podcast
Advance Processing Technologies for Developing Horticulture Export Base
Today (09th June, 2026), Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) organized a webinar on “Chinese Market Requirements for Pakistani Mangoes: Phytosanitary Compliance, Quality Standards & Export Opportunities” to enhance awareness among mango growers, exporters, packhouse operators, and stakeholders regarding China's import requirements, phytosanitary protocols, market trends, and emerging export opportunities. The session highlighted the importance of compliance with quarantine regulations, traceability systems, post-harvest management, branding, and market development strategies to strengthen Pakistan’s mango exports to China. Technical Presentation by Dr. Khalid Zafar (Department of Plant Protection) Dr. Khalid Zafar provided a detailed overview of Pakistan’s mango export landscape and China's phytosanitary requirements. He highlighted that mango is Pakistan’s second-largest semi-commercial fruit crop and is exported to nearly 70 countries . He explained that China requires mandatory Hot Water Treatment (HWT), phytosanitary certification, registered orchards, registered packhouses, and complete traceability throughout the supply chain. He further emphasized the importance of hygiene standards, proper labeling, inspection protocols, and compliance with the Plant Protection Act 2023. Exporters were advised to ensure full adherence to quarantine regulations, maintain sanitation standards, and utilize approved treatment facilities to facilitate smooth exports to China. Market Insights by Mr. Muhammad Ayaz (Trade & Investment Attaché, Beijing) Mr. Muhammad Ayaz shared comprehensive insights into the Chinese mango market, highlighting that China faces a seasonal mango supply deficit and offers strong growth potential for premium imported mangoes. He noted that Pakistan’s mangoes possess a competitive advantage due to their superior sweetness, unique taste profile, and favorable export window. However, challenges remain in terms of price competitiveness, cold chain logistics, brand recognition, and competition from Thailand and Vietnam. He informed participants that 32 Pakistani companies are currently registered with GACC and encouraged exporters to utilize e-commerce platforms, strengthen branding efforts, and engage in sustained promotional campaigns to improve market penetration. On his concluding Remarks Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan highlighted that China is one of the world's largest fruit import markets and presents significant opportunities for Pakistani mangoes, particularly during Pakistan’s May–August production window. He emphasized that while Pakistan enjoys a zero-tariff regime under CPFTA, sustainable market penetration depends upon strict compliance with Chinese phytosanitary requirements, quality standards, traceability systems, and consistent supply. He stressed that strengthening post-harvest infrastructure, branding, and exporter preparedness is essential for expanding Pakistan’s presence in the Chinese market and capturing greater value from mango exports.
Chinese Market Requirements for Pakistani Mangoes
The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) has launched a strategic initiative to revitalize the national grape industry, specifically targeting a massive $70 million annual import substitution by building climate-resilient systems in Balochistan. During a high-level webinar held on June 11, 2026, PHDEC leadership and agricultural experts highlighted that while Pakistan currently records zero fresh grape exports and relies on imports from Afghanistan, Iran, China, and Turkey, the country possesses the potential to become a dominant regional exporter. The expert noted that the global grape market reached 77.7 million tonnes in 2024, yet Pakistan’s output of 201.584 million tons remains largely untapped for international fresh markets. To bridge this gap and conserve vital foreign exchange, PHDEC has planned submission of a formal proposal to the Export Development Fund (EDF) of the Ministry of Commerce, aiming to institutionalize technological advancements and varietal transitions across Balochistan, which accounts for over 98% of national production. This economic recovery plan is centered on overcoming Balochistan’s severe hydrological deficit and climate vulnerability, where water availability is a mere 560 m³ per hectare compared to the 2,500 m³ national average. Traditional flood irrigation currently results in 40–60% water loss, and heavy monsoon rains frequently devastate thin-skinned local varieties like Haita and Kishmishi, which showed disease incidence rates as high as 78% in recent surveys. To combat these risks, Experimental Research Trials established in Mastung and Pishin have identified high-value, thick-skinned cultivars such as Moon Drop (Witch Finger), Red Globe, and Autumn Royal, which demonstrated 0% to very low disease incidence even under rain simulation. Furthermore, innovative grafting trials have proven that these exotic varieties can reach fruit-bearing maturity by 2025, offering a rapid return on investment for farmers and donors looking to transition the sector toward high-value, resilient hybrids within a single year. To ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of these efforts, PHDEC is advocating for a shift toward "water-smart" agriculture, including the adoption of trellis systems and modern drip irrigation, which is currently used on less than 5% of land. Experts emphasized that structural adaptations like trellis management and net shading can significantly minimize disease by increasing airflow and elevating the canopy above moisture traps. Beyond fresh exports, the strategic roadmap focuses on value addition to mitigate 25–30% post-harvest losses, proposing a transition to high-margin products like Pekmez, juices, and export-quality raisins that offer three times higher returns than fresh fruit. By strengthening the National Germplasm Unit and establishing localized multiplication blocks for resilient saplings, PHDEC aims to secure a permanent place for Pakistan in the global grape value chain, transforming the current $70 million import burden into a thriving export-led industry.
Building Climate-Resilient Grape Systems in Balochistan
Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) organized a meeting on “Garlic & Ginger Paste MRL Compliance Issues in Exports to the UAE: Challenges, Corrective Actions & Way Forward” to address emerging food safety concerns and strengthen compliance of Pakistan’s value-added horticultural exports. The session brought together representatives from PHDEC, PCSIR, PSQCA, exporters, processors, laboratories, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss recent UAE notifications regarding non-compliance of Pakistani garlic and ginger paste products with prescribed Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for preservatives. In his opening remarks, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan highlighted that Pakistan possesses significant garlic production potential; however, inadequate post-harvest management, storage limitations, weight losses, and weak compliance with food safety requirements continue to restrict export growth. He emphasized that improving MRL compliance and quality assurance systems is essential to unlock the export potential of garlic and ginger-based value-added products in international markets. Dr. Mubarak presented findings from UAE monitoring reports, noting that UAE authorities have been testing Pakistani food products for the past three years and have identified repeated non-compliance in garlic paste, ginger paste, and ginger-garlic paste products. These products account for approximately 16% of total product interceptions, with excessive levels of benzoic acid, sulfur dioxide, and sorbic acid being the primary concerns. He informed participants that the UAE has issued a formal “word of caution” rather than imposing an immediate ban, providing Pakistan an opportunity to implement corrective measures before stricter enforcement actions are introduced. The session highlighted that a major root cause of non-compliance is the lack of awareness among processors regarding permissible preservative limits under Codex Alimentariu s and UAE regulations. Experts explained that many processors purchase pre-peeled garlic already treated with preservatives and subsequently add additional preservatives during processing, resulting in cumulative levels exceeding allowable limits. Participants were advised that exporters must comply with the standards of importing countries and that adherence to UAE/Codex requirements is mandatory irrespective of domestic regulatory limits. Representatives from PCSIR informed participants that testing facilities for all three flagged preservatives are available locally and that PCSIR can support processors through product testing, training, and technical guidance. Discussions also emphasized the need to strengthen quality control throughout the supply chain, including raw material procurement, washing, decontamination, processing, packaging, and export certification. The importance of traceability, proper preservative dosing, laboratory verification, and adoption of GlobalG.A.P. and food safety standards was also highlighted. Participants recommended development of a comprehensive Garlic and Ginger Export Protocol covering the entire value chain from production to export. It was agreed that a consultative meeting involving PHDEC, PSQCA, PCSIR, accredited laboratories, exporters, and processors should be organized to finalize standardized guidelines and testing procedures. The use of awareness videos, digital SOPs, producer trainings, and promotion of organic and residue-compliant production systems was also proposed. The meeting concluded that immediate corrective actions, enhanced stakeholder coordination, processor training, and strict adherence to international food safety standards are critical to safeguarding Pakistan’s exports of garlic and ginger paste products to the UAE and other high-value international markets. Continuous capacity building, testing support, and implementation of science-based protocols will be essential to maintaining market access and strengthening the competitiveness of Pakistan’s value-added horticulture sector.
Garlic & Ginger Paste MRL Compliance Issues in Exports to the UAE
Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) organized a meeting on “Garlic & Ginger Paste MRL Compliance Issues in Exports to the UAE: Challenges, Corrective Actions & Way Forward” to address emerging food safety concerns and strengthen compliance of Pakistan’s value-added horticultural exports. The session brought together representatives from PHDEC, PCSIR, PSQCA, exporters, processors, laboratories, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss recent UAE notifications regarding non-compliance of Pakistani garlic and ginger paste products with prescribed Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for preservatives. In his opening remarks, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan highlighted that Pakistan possesses significant garlic production potential; however, inadequate post-harvest management, storage limitations, weight losses, and weak compliance with food safety requirements continue to restrict export growth. He emphasized that improving MRL compliance and quality assurance systems is essential to unlock the export potential of garlic and ginger-based value-added products in international markets. Dr. Mubarak presented findings from UAE monitoring reports, noting that UAE authorities have been testing Pakistani food products for the past three years and have identified repeated non-compliance in garlic paste, ginger paste, and ginger-garlic paste products. These products account for approximately 16% of total product interceptions, with excessive levels of benzoic acid, sulfur dioxide, and sorbic acid being the primary concerns. He informed participants that the UAE has issued a formal “word of caution” rather than imposing an immediate ban, providing Pakistan an opportunity to implement corrective measures before stricter enforcement actions are introduced. The session highlighted that a major root cause of non-compliance is the lack of awareness among processors regarding permissible preservative limits under Codex Alimentariu s and UAE regulations. Experts explained that many processors purchase pre-peeled garlic already treated with preservatives and subsequently add additional preservatives during processing, resulting in cumulative levels exceeding allowable limits. Participants were advised that exporters must comply with the standards of importing countries and that adherence to UAE/Codex requirements is mandatory irrespective of domestic regulatory limits. Representatives from PCSIR informed participants that testing facilities for all three flagged preservatives are available locally and that PCSIR can support processors through product testing, training, and technical guidance. Discussions also emphasized the need to strengthen quality control throughout the supply chain, including raw material procurement, washing, decontamination, processing, packaging, and export certification. The importance of traceability, proper preservative dosing, laboratory verification, and adoption of GlobalG.A.P. and food safety standards was also highlighted. Participants recommended development of a comprehensive Garlic and Ginger Export Protocol covering the entire value chain from production to export. It was agreed that a consultative meeting involving PHDEC, PSQCA, PCSIR, accredited laboratories, exporters, and processors should be organized to finalize standardized guidelines and testing procedures. The use of awareness videos, digital SOPs, producer trainings, and promotion of organic and residue-compliant production systems was also proposed. The meeting concluded that immediate corrective actions, enhanced stakeholder coordination, processor training, and strict adherence to international food safety standards are critical to safeguarding Pakistan’s exports of garlic and ginger paste products to the UAE and other high-value international markets. Continuous capacity building, testing support, and implementation of science-based protocols will be essential to maintaining market access and strengthening the competitiveness of Pakistan’s value-added horticulture sector.
Garlic & Ginger Paste MRL Compliance Issues in Exports to the UAE
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Head Office Islamabad

  • Head Office: Ground Floor, State Life Building # 5, Phase-II, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Regional Office Karachi: 3rd Floor, Room #330, Block A, Finance and Trade Centre Main Shahra E Faisal Karachi.
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