Karachi, June 27, 2020 : Pakistan has decided to send mangoes which are characterized by it’s delicious taste & specific aroma to the Head of States of existing as well potential buying countries besides sending to all friendly countries as well.
This initiative clearly has a well-defined objective to further strengthen diplomatic relationships with all the friendly countries besides introducing “The King of Fruits” to the new International markets so that export of Pakistani fruits & vegetables can be further enhanced and the investment opportunities available in the Horticulture sector can also be highlighted. Pakistani mangoes can be effectively promoted through commercial attaches & Pakistani Embassies operating abroad.
During a high- level meeting which included Fakhar Imam, the Federal Minister of National Food Security & other high ranking officials, which was chaired by the honorable President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi , it was decided to use “ gift of mangoes “ for the trade diplomacy.
A delegation of All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association (PFVA) led by it’s Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed, comprising of it’s Chairman Abdul Malik & Former Chairman Aslam Pakhali has also participated in this important meeting. During the meeting Waheed Ahmed briefed the President as well the participants about Production, Quality, issues related to export and supply chain and Challenges confronted with enhancement of export of Pakistani mangoes.
The participants of meeting were also apprised of current state of export of this sector (Fruits & Vegetables) and reason behind Pakistan’s meager share of less than 0.5 percent in the International trade. Waheed also shared the “road map “titled “ – Horticulture Vision 2030” which was developed by the PFVA through extensive research & development
The Participants were further informed that the International trade of Fruits & Vegetables is around USD 200 billion. Pakistan exported Fruits & vegetables worth USD 651 million in year 2018-19 which is just 0.33 % of this total revenue. Pakistan ranks sixth country in terms of mangoes production and 5th as mango exporting countries in the World having around 5% share. Pakistan mangoes’ industry has a volume of PKR 100 billion while millions of people are employed in the industry.
During a comprehensive presentation which focused on export of mangoes, Waheed told that Pakistan exports mangoes to 40 countries of the World and by adopting well meticulous planning and removal of barriers restricting the export, Pakistan can be facilitated to have access to gigantic big & high value International markets. The anticipated International markets are USA, Japan, China, South Korea & Australia
The major challenges, horticulture sector is confronted with, which includes Climate changes, Scarcity of water, lack of Research & development activities, primitive agriculture patties leading to pre & post –harvest losses, Inadequate cold storage facilities and issues of transportation were also discussed in details during the meeting.
Waheed strongly recommended formulation of a special forum comprising of representatives from the concerned Ministries & PFVA for evaluating issues related to the Horticulture sector, finding realistic solutions and ensuring provision of facilities.
He quoted recent example of excellent co-ordination among the concerned ministries which promptly resolved a serious issue of opening of the Pak-Iran border in the shortest time period of just three days, facilitating export of mangoes to Iran.
The formation of proposed special forum would play a vital role in speedy implementation of timely decision taken by the forum to ensure facilitation of exports. It was also suggested during the meeting that realistic policies may also be developed for Airlines & Shipping agencies so that exports’ consignments can be promptly taken care of and timely transported.
Capacity building of Plant Protection Department and effective utilization of its capabilities, launching of promotional activities through sponsorship of PFVA , activation of PHDEC (Pakistan Horticulture Development Company and payment of pending claims of DLTL through approved funds were also part of suggestions in the meeting.
