Home Economy Establishment of Cold Storages on Airports and Shipping Terminals Planned

Economy

Establishment of Cold Storages on Airports and Shipping Terminals Planned

December 14, 2020

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The Government and Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association have decided with consensus to establish cold storages on airports and shipping ports across the country.

The Ministry of Commerce held a consultative session with Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association on the issues pertaining to exports of mango via video-link. The session was attended by Abdul Razak Dawood Advisor to Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment. PFVA was represented by Chairman of the association Waheed Ahmad, farmers, and exporters of mangoes.

The officials of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), and Department of Plant Protection (DPP) were also present.

It was decided that efforts will be undertaken to develop cold storage areas on main airport and shipping ports of the country, and in this regard, Aviation Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will be approached for reserving a dedicated area for mango consignments at the Airports.

The main problem in this regard include high freight charges, compliance requirements, lack of cold storage facilities at the airports, and insufficient water and vapor treatment facilities.

Agro Wing of the Commerce Division gave a presentation which mentioned that mango exports are maintaining a positive trajectory and Pakistani mangoes are bagging better Export prices as compared to previous years.

It was agreed that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) would evaluate legal issues for operationalizing the already-imported Vapour Heat Treatment Plant.

It was also agreed that the Ministry Of Commerce would focus on exploring new Export markets and will get tariff concessions for the export of mangoes abroad. The establishment of a Mango Development Council will be considered, having representation from all stakeholders, including traders, farmers, cool chains representatives, research institutes, etc. Federal Advisor asked the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to Increase its efforts for marketing Pakistani mangoes globally.

The Ministry of Commerce has previously informed that the export of local mango increased to $104 million in 2019-20 from $78 million in the previous year 2018-19. Pakistani Mangoes are exported primarily to United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Oman.