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Pak exporters attending annual fruit congress in Dubai

By Tanveer Sher

KARACHI: A delegation of leading Pakistani fruit exporters have gone to Dubai to attend the 3-day annual Fruit and Vegetable Congress scheduled to take off from Monday (November 9) with a view to explore and tap the vast international market for Pakistani fruits.

The congress is being attended by fruit and vegetable exporters and producers from more than 100 countries across the globe including Asia, Europe, East Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The mega event was organised by the Dubai government in collaboration with Euro Fruit and Asian Fruit Magazines.

Ironically export of Pakistan’s two major fruits, mango and kinnow are limited to a very few countries on account of lack of marketing endeavours by the exporters consequently despite their quality and nourishment, the total export of these two vital fruits constitutes hardly 5 to 7 percent of their total annual yield.

Talking to Daily Times, former chairman of All-Pakistan Fruits and Vegetable Exporters and Importers Association Abdul Wahid said that members of the delegation participating in the international congress during their interaction with leading global fruit exporters would explore new markets to dispose of the stupendous current year’s crop.

Over the years, some 80 percent of the total kinnow export out of approximately 125,000 metric tonnes, are destined for Russia, Iran and Gulf countries, which speaks volumes of limited export of Pakistani citrus fruit. The citrus exports have the potential to be enhanced manifold in the next few years if dedicated efforts are undertaken by the exporters.

Citing major hindrances causing stagnation of export of Pakistani fruits specially kinnow, he said poor cosmetic appearance of the produce was identified as the vital factor which has deterred foreign importers from untapped Eastern European and Far Eastern Countries to place orders for the citrus fruit.

Replying to a question, he termed improved agriculture practices as the key towards realisation of goals of sharp increase in export targets, both for mango and kinnow in the next few seasons helping the country to fetch massive orders across the globe.

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