COLOMBO : Sri Lanka has secured market access to export fresh pineapples to Pakistan after successfully meeting the technical and phytosanitary requirements set by Pakistani authorities.Time & Calendars
The breakthrough follows the conclusion of years of technical discussions and regulatory procedures between the two countries, paving the way for Sri Lankan pineapples to enter the Pakistani market.
The initiative was carried out through the joint efforts of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, the National Plant Quarantine Service of Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection, the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad, the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, and the Export Development Board.
According to the Ministry, Trade Minister Vasantha Samarasinghe had recently instructed relevant authorities to expedite market access for Sri Lankan pineapples, avocados and king coconuts in Pakistan during discussions with a visiting Pakistani business delegation. Priority was given to pineapples, while negotiations on the remaining products are continuing.
As part of the approval process, an official from Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection inspected pineapple cultivation areas and plant quarantine facilities in Sri Lanka in July 2026. Following the successful completion of the inspection, the required plant health conditions for exports were finalized.
The Ministry noted that the All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) and the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo also provided support throughout the process.South Asians & Diaspora
PFVA Chairman Aslam Pakhali welcomed Sri Lanka’s entry into the Pakistani market, stating that the country’s population of around 250 million offers significant opportunities for Sri Lankan pineapple growers and exporters.
Pakistan is regarded as a promising market for Sri Lankan pineapples due to its growing demand for premium tropical fruits.
The commencement of commercial exports is expected to create new opportunities for local farmers, exporters and traders while further strengthening trade and agricultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
