It is heartening to note that Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Board is organising a National Kinnow Gala and Excellence Award Ceremony to acknowledge the significant contribution of all the stakeholders in achieving the all time high record of exports of Kinnow this year. There is no denying fact that this single product has the potential to touch new heights in exports due to its uniqueness and taste.
It is an established fact that its production is growing and many districts have started producing good quality of Kinnow and are continuously striving to improve its quality. I appreciate the entrepreneurship of the processors and exporters who have indigenized the technology and tapped new markets. The role of freight forwarders, shippers, academia and other stakeholders is commendable. They have virtually redressed the shock of losing big Indonesian market last year due to upward revision of import tariffs by them.
I appreciate the role of PHDEB in synchronising the efforts of its partners and making it possible to achieve unity in action. The government is providing all kind of support of PHDEB to bring horticulture sector at par with the international standards and compliant to quarantine requirements as laid down by the importing countries. I commend these efforts and hope that the Board will play an important role in boosting the exports of horticulture products.
The government has declared horticulture a priority sector and making all out efforts to improve the value chain and identify new markets. I am confident that this event will go a long way in paving the way for the prosperity of our country. We are taking new initiatives and steps to enhance the shelf life and improve the quality of the product so that it could be introduced to the high end markets to fetch better price. I once again wish the organisers a great success in their endeavours for recognising the efforts of all the entrepreneurs.