Imtiaz Hussain of Imtiaz Enterprises
Pakistan: Mango exports not going to plan
He stated that a team of experts from Japan and South Korea have arrived in Pakistan to inspect the Hot Water Treatment plants in Karachi as well as the country's entire mango supply chain. Hot water treatment is not yet commercially available in Pakistan and moves such as this one are to be highly welcomed, according to Hussain.
With regards to the current state of the mango export markets, he said, "Mango exports don't seem to be going as planned this season, with indications being that the country will not achieve its target of 200,000 tones. The slow pace of the trade will mean financial hardship for the growers and also, for the national economy, which benefits immensely from the supply of foreign currency. The government takes no notice of the proposals of exporters to improve the industry, such as quality, grading & packing standards and R&D facilities.
"A sudden increase in the air freight charges by Pakistan International Airline; our national air carrier during the middle of the mango exports season has resulted in immense difficulties for the exporters," Hussain said. "We are not only facing the freight increase situation at the moment but there have been improper cargo operations and handling by the airlines this season. Despite having confirmed space allocation, mango export shipments are off-loaded. Our national carrier has a shortage of carrying equipments for perishable commodities that results in problems as commitments to foreign buyers are not fulfilled in time. During the month of Ramadan, the demand for mangoes accelerates and we have huge orders to fulfill. The freight charge increase by the national air carrier is an alarming situation for us as, in the situation of non-fulfillment of orders and demands, our exporters will face huge financial losses. If the government and airlines fail to respond to these major problems, the national exchequer is likely to be the ultimate loser in terms of huge foreign revenues during the season."
He also mention the Pakistan Mango Festival, at the Dubain Summer Surprises, organised by the Department of Agriculture in association with the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE and Sindh Board of Investment. He said the event was a great success
Hussain said, "The event promoted Pakistan’s wide range of mangoes in the local UAE market by the setting up of special outlets at various shopping centres to enable residents to enjoy a variety of desserts made from mangoes grown in Pakistan."
Sindhri, one of the most favourite mango varieties, is a much sought-after variety from among 50 others grown in Pakistan. Pakistan has been exporting 1.75 million tonnes of the fruit every year to different markets around the world, 50 per cent of which are exported to the UAE.
For more information:
Imtiaz Hussain
Imtiaz Enterprises
[email protected]
www.imtiaz.biz