Report on Identifying the Potential of Horticulture Exports to China from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan

The global market for fruit and vegetables is estimated to be USD100 billion with an average annual growth rate of 3 percent. Fruit exports alone are growing at an annual rate of 7 percent. Around 9 percent of all fruit produced globally is exported and 80 percent sold as fresh fruit. The global market for fresh fruit is on the rise while demand for preserved fruit is decreasing, especially in Europe and North America. The largest horticulture importers are the United States, China, and Germany.

Agriculture is also one of the major sectors in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) economies, having a significant share in gross domestic product (GDP), employment, and exports. On average, agriculture accounts for 15 percent of GDP in the CAREC economies.The share of agriculture in the exports of Pakistan,Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan,and Uzbekistan is 22 percent, 15.6 percent, 14.7 percent, and 13.5 percent respectively. This is significantly higher than the world average of 1.4 percent. The CAREC economies are largely missing out from this global market, despite enjoying comparative advantages over some fruit and vegetables.