Ministry of Commerce has decided to revive Pakistan Horticulture Development Export Company (PHDEC) to resolve issues relating to horticulture sector and its exports. The Ministry finally agreed to give one more year to the company to show its performance due to fruitful drive of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) aimed at protecting the PHDEC that is the single body for development of horticulture with focus on export.
During a meeting with Chairman PFVA Waheed Ahmed in Islamabad on Wednesday Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir has taken this decision. It was decided to restructure the PHDEC to improve its performance and get desired result within the stipulated time. "During the meeting Minister agreed to fully revive the company to resolve issues relating to horticulture sector and its exports by board of directors representing all concerned stakeholders", chairman PFVA said.
He proposed that new board, having representation of experienced and competent people from concerned institutions, is to look after the affairs of PHDEC and now it can perform well. Waheed said it is the misconception that the PHDEC did not deliver at all. To him, it had commendable achievements to its credit eg development of agri-products such as Shimla Mirch and Grapes, and capturing some important International markets such as South Africa, Iran and China, etc. Exploration of lucrative Russian market for export of Pakistani Kinnow is a classic example of its commendable performance when the PHDEC had a professional CEO, he informed the minister.
"PHDEC must not be discriminated against by expecting it to be self-supporting. The horticulture sector, with around $700 million exports has been contributing around Rs 175 million to Export Development Surcharge (EDS). The Ministry of Commerce, incorporated in its Articles of Association a provision that it will be funded through Export Development Fund (EDF)," he pointed out.
He termed it a positive step that expressed sincerity and dedication of the government towards improvements in the sector even after devolution of agriculture sector followed by 18th Amendment to the constitution. He informed the minister that despite opening of Iranian borders to the exporters, the commercial banks in Pakistan were hesitant to issue E-Form to the exporters. He said that the attitude of the banks would ultimately deprive Pakistan of the lucrative market in neighbouring country where other competitors were already stepping in to capture the market.
Chairman PFVA also briefed the minister about issues faced by exporters in European markets especially for export of mango. The minister assured him to resolve the issues especially the one relating to Iranian market on priority basis. About the proposals for enhancement of exports, he said, horticulture exports of the country could be increased to $1 billion in the next two years and $6 billion in 10 years if a comprehensive national horticulture development strategy was developed in consultation with stakeholders. Waheed Ahmed also briefed the minister about the difficulties in tapping Iranian markets after withdrawal of the international economic sanctions on the neighboring country.