Fruits and vegetables: Russian officials agree to support Pakistan’s exports

Both parties to sign MoU as PFVA eyes lucrative market.

KARACHI: Pakistani fruit and vegetable exporters have announced that Russian quarantine officials have agreed to support their companies in an attempt to increase exports to the country.

This was stated by the exporters after they returned from an exhibition in Russia.

Both parties also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help keep track of their activities, while the Russian government official also said that a visit to inspect facilities in Pakistan would also be made.

A group of 20 exporters went to Russia this week to participate in the 23rd ‘World Food Moscow’, Russia’s premier international exhibition for the food and drink industry, where participants from 70 countries took part.

“We informed the Russian officials about the progress Pakistan had made in improving the quality of its fresh food exports to the European Union (EU),” said PFVA Co-Chairman Waheed Ahmed. “They were also informed how Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Association (PFVA) successfully avoided the looming ban from the EU on fruit and vegetables exports. “Now that they have seen that Pakistan is following the protocol to increase its fresh food exports, they will visit to explain local companies about the Russian quality requirements.”

Shedding more light on the MoU, Waheed said it would help Pakistani exporters resolve export-related issues promptly and pave the way for a greater share in the Russian market where doors have been closed for the EU, US, Australia and Canada.

“Improved trade relations with Russia would also benefit the whole chain including farmers, traders and definitely exporters,” Waheed said.

A delegation, led by Waheed, also had a fruitful meeting with the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rossellkhoznadzor) Head Alexander Isayev.

According to fruit and vegetable exporters, lack of understanding and collaboration between Russia and Pakistan on quarantine protocols has often created problems for Pakistani exporters. Despite huge potential, Pakistani exporters have been unable to overcome their shortcomings.

Pakistan’s noticeable exports to Russia are kinnow (mandarin) and potato while some other fruits and vegetables are also sent to Russia but in small quantities.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st, 2014.

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