'Mango export to Middle East, European countries, in full swing'

The export of mangoes to European countries and the Middle East is in full swing since its formal inauguration on May 15. Bashir Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC), a subsidiary of Commerce Ministry, told Business Recorder that mangoes are being exported in accordance with a well planned strategy prepared in consultation with other public and private sector stakeholders.
Middle East and Europe are the major markets for Pakistani mangoes but this time the government is taking new steps to facilitate mango exporters, he added. "Though we are facing financial problems, we are making all-out efforts to facilitate the exporters," he said.
Bashir said that PHDEC would also be holding 'Taste Pakistan' mango fairs in England and Holland, for which arrangements are being finalised. In Holland, PHDEC has planned to arrange technical sessions to apprise importers and consumers about the efforts made by Pakistan's mango growers, exporters and the government to meet European standards.
He said that documentaries on different varieties of Pakistani mangoes would be displayed, besides briefing by technical experts. A single-day exhibition and festival would also be arranged in Iran as part of these efforts, he said. Some of the key exporters are Imran Trading, Raza Trading, Al-Abbas, Roshan, Union Fruits Durrani Associates and Saeed Khan & Company.
Bashir said that Commerce Minister Amin Fahim is extending full support to PHDEC in its efforts to enhance mango exports to new destinations. PHDEC is dispatching mango gifts to the ambassadors of different countries besides Pakistani embassies abroad so that they could promote Pakistani mangoes. One of the mango exporters told Business Recorder that PHDEC's regional office in Karachi is keeping close liaison with mango exporters and assisting them in whenever and whatever is required by them.
Some of the foreign airlines have also started providing cargo space for mango to the exporters at workable freight rates. He said that mango export to the United States of America (USA) would formally start from next year, and added that 'Taste Pakistan' fair would be held in Canada next year.