Exporters bag $3 million orders at 'Fruit Logistica'

Exporters bagged some $3 million export orders at the recently held exhibition 'Fruit Logistica' in Berlin. Buyers from more than 30 countries participated in the exhibition and showed deep interest in buying fruits & vegetables from Pakistan. They demonstrated their keen desire in availing of the trade opportunities which emerged as a result of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
The exhibition provides most effective international platform for enhancement of exports of Pakistan's horticulture industry besides inculcating awareness about most modern research & technological activities.
While returning from Berlin, Waheed Ahmed, the former chairman of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters and Merchants Association (PFVA) and Vice President of FPCCI told BR that during this year eight Pakistani companies and 25 delegates participated in the exhibition, while an exclusive stall representing the PFVA was also set up in the exhibition. Ambassador of Pakistan Johar Saleem inaugurated the Pakistani pavilion.
He added that the European countries expressed sincere desire in purchasing Pakistan mango, Russia potato while UK, Holland, Norway and Germany showed keen interest in buying Pakistani dates.
Similarly, buyers from Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain also expressed keen interest in purchasing Pakistani kinnow. Keeping in view the overwhelming response received by Pakistani companies, it is anticipated that exporters will receive orders up to three million dollars, he added. Waheed said 'Fruit Logistica' proved to be an effective international event for highlighting the immense potential of Pakistani horticulture sector and offered excellent opportunities for investment in this specific sector.
"During the 3-day exhibition, we extended invitation to prominent technological companies to visit Pakistan and also apprised them of our objective of conducting a national conference in Pakistan in near future in collaboration with PFVA & FPCCI," he said.
He added that with the start of CPEC projects and economic zones, investors around the globe are focusing their attention towards Pakistan and hence, foreign companies and investors would be invited next year to the proposed national conference on horticulture sector.
Waheed appreciated the extensive efforts of Pakistan embassy for making good arrangements and rendering assistance to Pakistani companies for participating in this mega event.
With the co-operation of Pakistani embassy, the country's cultural and traditional products made of fruits & vegetables would also be advertised so that this unique opportunity could be fully exploited for export boost, he maintained.