Pakistan all set to export mango to South Korea

Pakistan will begin exporting mangoes to South Korea for the first time from June 11, an exporter told The News on Friday.

“Pakistan has received a 200 ton export order of mangoes for South Korea,” said Sohail Nisar, Chairman Pakistan-Korea Business Council of FPCCI, adding that it will be the first ever mango shipment from Pakistan to South Korea.

The export deal was finalised between Korea’s IKP and Pakistan’s Sohail Industries, Sohail said, adding that Pakistan will begin exporting the order from June 11 and will send its last consignment by August 5.

Lotte Group, the South Korean industrial conglomerate, has also expressed its interest in importing 100 tons of mangoes from Pakistan. “The opening of letter of credit by the group (Lotte) will confirm the order to us,” Sohail said. Pakistani companies were also in contact with the Emart group in Korea for the export of mangoes this year.

“Korea represents a 10,000 to 20,000 ton market of mangoes for Pakistan,” said Sohail, adding that tireless efforts by the Pakistani government had led to the finalisation of a deal to export mangoes to Korea.

Around 300 kilogrammes of mangoes had been exported by Pakistan to Korea last year for testing and trials. “Korea found the Pakistani mango delicious, while its aroma and quality also convinced Korea to import the fruit from Pakistan,” Sohail added.

Earlier, All-Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Importers-Exporters and Merchants Association (PFVA) has set an export target of 175,000 tons, while mango production was expected at 1.55 million tons, 20 percent lower than the production of the fruit last year.

The country is expected to fetch around $60m in foreign exchange if the target is met. Pakistan is presently exporting mango to at least 40 countries across the world including Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Island, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Lebanon and others.

Source: www.thenews.com.pk

Publication date: Mon 10 Jun 2013