Fruit, vegetable exports: PFVA for forging banking channels

Bilateral trade will increase to $1 billion from existing $390 million

KARACHI: Early establishment of banking channels was stressed during a meeting with Consul General of Russian Federation Oleg N Avdeev by Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) Chairman Waheed Ahmed.

Ahmed said he was optimistic that the bilateral trade will increase with the establishment of banking channels between the two countries.

He said the bilateral trade volume could be enhanced to $1 billion from the existing $390 million within
a year if this issue is resolved.

He informed the consul general about various issues affecting PFVA, which included the need for multiple entry visa for the exporters and unrealistic valuation of kinnows and potatoes by the Russian customs. He also requested for all companies registered with PFVA to be allowed to export potatoes to Russia instead of restricting exports to only a few.

Ahmed also invited a delegation of Russian Quarantine Department to inspect the quality of products and others arrangements made to improve quality of fresh exports from Pakistan.

Oleg N Avdeev assured the PFVA office bearers to look into issues brought into
his attention, saying
that he would extend all possible support to facilitate exporters to further enhance exports to Russia, particularly kinnows and potatoes.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2016.

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