Bottlenecks along the value chain that hamper export growth to international markets include: 1) Lack of knowledge of international market requirements, export marketing skills, and contacts with international companies. 2) Insufficient certifications, financial resources, storage and refrigeration facilities. 3) Fragmentation of producers and lack of cooperation, as well as weak industry associations. 4) Non-compliance with international quality and social responsibility standards, and regulatory constraints. 5) Climate risks and lack of trained labor, competitive varieties, and production standards.

1. Bottlenecks along the value chain
Below is an overview of the main identified bottlenecks that currently
hamper export growth to the International markets
Observed constraints in value chain and how they prohibit export
Lack of knowledge on international market segments and market access requirements
Lack of (export) marketing skills
The lack of direct contacts between KPK’ producers and national and international companies
Lack of necessary certifications to enter the Developed countries’ market (Global GAP, ISO)
Lack of internal financial resources and limited access to long-term loans
Lack of storage facilities, especially with new equipment and technology level
Lack of refrigeration facilities in horticultural and vegetable farms
Fragmentation of producers and lack of cooperation between sector producers
Lack of state export promotion and low level of government support of producers in fresh fruit and
vegetables sectors
Lack of a strong positive image and branding for KPK’ fruit and vegetables sector
Weak branch associations which could take a lead in resolving the issues of sector and lobby the
interests of manufacturers
Lack of awareness among stakeholders on CSR issues on the developed countries market (labor,
safety, environmental and other social responsibilities)
Lack of bilateral cooperation agreement between Pakistan phytosanitary authorities and relevant bodies
of other states
Regulatory constraints resulting in more narrow range of allowed pesticides and high product costs
Deficit of quality planting material
No domestic competitive varieties of fruit and vegetables crops those are not inferior to foreign
analogues (with flavorings properties, keeping quality etc.)
Inconsistency of fruits products to International quality standards
Climate and natural risks
The great level of untrained labor inputs and the short time after harvest period stone fruit.
Low level of production culture and pricing policy for organic products are the main obstacles to the
organic production development
Unstable supply of fresh fruit and vegetable processing enterprises through lower prices (compared with
the fresh fruits for fresh consumption)
Lack of industrial capacities and raw materials base development for dried and frozen fruit and
Vegetables production