Pakistani fruit exporters foresee 6m euros export to EU

Published: February 14, 2013

* PFVA says airline links to EU, US needed

By Tanveer Sher

KARACHI: Pakistani fruit exporters foresee around 6 million euro export to European Union (EU) and Asia in the next couple of years as Pakistani fresh fruits, vegetables and value added product are being liked and demanded in the valued markets. 

The only issue in expanding trade in the fresh fruit sector is lack of required air links with most of the EU and America countries.

Waheed Ahmed Chairman Pakistan Fruit and vegetable Exporters Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) said the Fruit Logistica 2013 which concluded in Berlin on Friday proved a successful and encouraging event for Pakistani exporters who have received millions of euro worth import orders. However the direct air links and other logistic supports was needed to be ensured before the next mango season in order to tap the newly established markets and meet further demands.

The Association with the cooperation of concerned authorities is trying to manage a chartered cargo flight to EU countries during the forthcoming mango season, he said. 

This facility would be benefiting the exporters who have no option but to keep most of the demands unmet in the lack of cargo air links.

He demanded the Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to resolve the logistic issues related to the fruit exports as despite of being much liked in western states, Pakistani products were not being sent to the lucrative markets. 

All prominent and small firms of fruit and vegetable from across the country had exhibited their products in Fruit Logistica and most of them had received good response from the buyers/importers came to Berlin from over 100 countries. 

He suggested all companies and organisations should exhibit products in one pavilion to make the country’s products more prominent. 

TDAP should bring improvements in presentation and display of the country’s stalls/pavilion, he added.

He said an Italian firm has agreed to support Pakistani horticulture industry through sharing technological expertise with local firms and growers to deal with pre-harvesting and post harvesting issues to increase the crop and improve quality of fruits. 

A deal has been finalised with the foreign company in this regard. The high ups of the foreign company would also visit Pakistan besides giving training to local firms about innovation and value addition of the fruits/vegetable.

Besides a Spanish company would also visit Pakistan shortly to market its latest machinery and technology, which are being used in various countries for value addition and preservation, safety of fruits/vegetables. A team of the company would also inspect the existing facilities of fruit in Pakistan, he informed.