LAHORE: The Ministry of Commerce has raised concerns over decline in maize exports and directed the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and others concerned to take immediate export facilitative interventions to help instant resumption of maize exports.

In a letter, the ministry invites attention of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) about the significant decline in Pakistan’s maize exports to several key international markets, including Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, France, China, Somalia, and Madagascar, during the current fiscal year as compared to the previous year.

In particular, the ministry considers complete cessation of exports to Vietnam since September 2024, which was Pakistan’s largest maize export destination last year (exports valued at $211 million), a matter of serious concern. “It has been observed as well as reported by maize exporters, REAP and Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Officer in Hanoi that the primary reason for the abrupt decline of exports to Vietnam is the self-imposed restriction on maize exports by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), following the........

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