ECC urged to notify timeline

FPCCI Pakistan Businesses Forum Vice President Ahmad Jawad has urged the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to approve and notify official timelines for kinnow and mango exports, so that clarity may prevail. Earlier in October, the ECC constituted a committee compromising officials of commerce and food security divisions to decide a timeline for the export of mango and kinnow after due consultation with stakeholders. Jawad said before kinnow exports kick-started on December 1, on a yearly basis kinnow exports had contributed around $250 million to the national exchequer. This year, it is estimated that kinnow exports will generate around $220 million. “This year, the crop is in a good condition due to timely rains,” he added. Exports will continue till the first week of April. Major destinations will be Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and China. Jawad said, “Demand for citrus fruits (containing vitamin C) is increasing in the international market due to Covid19, however, Pakistan is still unable to exploit this unique opportunity to its advantage despite being a prominent producer of citrus fruits.”