ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to send mangoes as a gift to the heads of states of the existing as well as potential buying countries, it was learnt on Saturday.
According to officials, this initiative has a well-defined objective to further strengthen diplomatic relationships with friendly countries, besides introducing the fruit to new markets so that export the country’s horticulture exports could be enhanced.
During a high-level meeting, chaired by President Dr Arif Alvi, it was decided that Pakistan would promote trade diplomacy by gifting of mangoes to all friendly countries.
National Food Security Minister Fakhar Imam, All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association (PFVA) Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed and Chairman Abdul Malik also participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, Waheed Ahmed briefed the president about the production and quality of mangoes and highlighted issues pertaining to the supply chain challenges confronted by exporters.
The president was also apprised of the current state of export of the fruit and vegetable sector and the reasons behind Pakistan’s meagre share of less than 0.5pc in international trade. Waheed further shared a roadmap titled “Horticulture Vision 2030” which was developed by the PFVA through extensive research and development.
The participants were informed that the international trade of fruits & vegetables was around $200 billion, while Pakistan exported fruits & vegetables worth $651 million in 2018-19, which was just 0.33pc of this total revenue.
“Pakistan is ranked sixth in terms of mango production and fifth in terms of mango exporting countries in the world, having around 5pc share. The country’s mango industry has a volume of Rs100 billion while millions of people are employed in the industry.”
During a comprehensive presentation which focused on the export of mangoes, Waheed stated 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 also have access to high-value international markets. The anticipated international markets include USA, Japan, China, South Korea and Australia.
He said the major challenges that the horticulture sector was confronted with included climate change, scarcity of water, lack of research & development activities, primitive agriculture patties leading to pre and post-harvest losses, inadequate cold storage facilities and issues of transportation.
Waheed strongly recommended the formulation of a special forum comprising representatives from the concerned ministries & PFVA for evaluation of issues related to the horticulture sector, finding realistic solutions and ensuring the provision of facilities.
He quoted the recent examples of excellent coordination among the concerned ministries which promptly resolved a serious issue of opening of the Pak-Iran border in the shortest time period of just 3 days.
“The formation of a proposed special forum would play a vital role in speedy implementation of timely decisions taken by the forum to ensure facilitation of exports.”
It was also suggested 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 the Plant Protection Department and effective utilization of its capabilities; launching of promotional activities through sponsorship of PFVA; activation of Pakistan Horticulture Development Company (PHDEC), and payment of pending claims of DLTL through approved funds were also part of suggestions that were presented during the meeting.
