Pakistan: Calls to assist exports to Russia
He said that the Russian fruit market is worth in the region of $5.77 billion US, 80% of which are imports. However, he says that a lacklustre approach from Pakistan has ensured that the country is missing out on its potential market share.
He has suggested the establishment of a Pakistan-Russia Horticulture Business Forum, immediately to attempt to remedy the situation quickly.
He said it was time the government paid attention to encouraging exports, especially in relation to agricultural goods.
"Our focus should be on Russian and CIS (Common wealth of Independent States) markets with regard to fruits and vegetables which are ready to absorb as much as we could export," he said.
He said that Russian banks were keen to develop banking relations with their counterparts in Pakistan but some issues related to regulations by the two central banks was causing delay.
He pointed out that the business communities in both countries had long been demanding the opening up of banking channels to regularize payments of imports and exports.
He pointed out that Russia could be the biggest market for Pakistan's agricultural produce, particularly fruits. "We may easily meet our targets by entering this market subject to proper strategy," he said.
Source: www.brecorder.com
