KARACHI
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Regional Chairman on the Horticulture Exports Committee Ahmad Jawad has said mango exporters are disappointed with the airlines due to high rates of air cargo which would be a big hurdle in tapping the international market on competitive rates.
Jawad said Pakistani mango is more than 50 per cent shipped by air for the purpose of export due to its small shelf life, and if the airlines continue to increase their rates every year then it would not be possible to continue selling mangoes in high value markets.
He quoted an example that from Karachi to London, airlines charged $ 1.72 per kg as compared to from Bombay to London; they charged $ 1.26 per kg.
The FPCCI Official also briefed that this year, country’s mango production also suffered due to prolonged hail storms in South Punjab and unexpected climatic changes, which would affect the export target as well. More or less this year Pakistani mango exporters are likely to close at around 80,000 tons worth of exports by the end of this season.
During last year, export value of mangoes was between $ 680 to $ 700 per metric ton. However, in the current season this value would be USD 650 per metric ton, he added
Jawad urged the aviation ministry to form some mechanism in order to streamline the cargo rates of airlines to facilitate fresh produce exports, similarly, commerce ministry may form a mechanism that if any exporter may enter into the new market, the government will give them a 15% reimbursement on the invoice value to encourage the mango exporters as well encouraging the “Pakistan Brand” through the king of fruit.
FPCCI Committee Chief also requested the Punjab government to reserve funds in punjab budget to encounter the menace of climate changes during crop production.
