PHDEC, GPI explore export opportunities for Balochistan’s horticultural produce

KARACHI: Muhammad Naseer, CEO of the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC), visited the head office of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) on October 29, 2026.

During the visit, Asif Khan, Project Director, GPI, briefed participants on horticultural processing and storage facilities being developed across Balochistan.

The project covers 22 locations across 20 districts and will support the processing of major fruits and vegetables, including dates, apples, tomatoes, onions, pomegranates, grapes, plums and cherries. Each location will have a cold storage capacity of 1,000 tonnes, with processing capacities ranging from 1 to 5 tonnes per hour. Eight locations are expected to become operational within the next few months.

Naseer commended the infrastructure development, highlighting its potential to strengthen horticultural value chains and support the production of high-quality, traceable products at commercial scale. He proposed prioritising date syrup, date paste, dried onions, apple cider and tomato pulp for export through collaboration with Pakistani exporters and trade missions. Mr. Khan endorsed the proposal.

GPI will showcase its value-added products at FoodAg, scheduled for November 23–26 in Karachi. Its participation will encourage exporter engagement in product development and introduce international buyers to the quality and scale of horticultural products available from Pakistan.

Naseer reaffirmed PHDEC’s commitment to strengthening market linkages for regional produce and facilitating local producers’ participation in the upcoming exhibition.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026