Mango festival marks 75 years of ties

Envoy says trade between Pakistan, Netherlands has increased to $2b

APP August 10, 2023

“We are already facing the consequences of the lack of quality research in horticulture. Our yields are one of the lowest. For example, mango yields in Pakistan are about five tonnes per acre, internationally it’s between 15 and 25,” said Mahmood Nawaz Shah, Senior Vice President of SAB. photo: file

ISLAMABAD:

The Embassy of Pakistan in the Netherlands hosted a vibrant Pakistani Mango Festival in The Hague, marking 75-years of diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

The event witnessed the enthusiastic presence of ambassadors, diplomatic community members, Dutch officials, and representatives from both Dutch and Pakistani business sectors.

Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar of Pakistan extended a warm welcome to the attendees and elaborated on the economic and trade dimensions of the relationship, highlighting the increase in bilateral trade over the past few years to over $2 billion. Dutch companies stand as key investors in Pakistan.

He highlighted the recent Textile Exhibition (Texpo-23) held in Karachi, where over 40 Dutch companies participated. Moreover, over 30 Dutch companies have expressed their interest in attending the upcoming First International FoodAg event in Karachi from August 10-12.

Turning to the star of the festival, the Pakistani mango, Tarar underscored Pakistan’s position as the 6th largest producer and 4th largest exporter of mangoes globally. The Netherlands plays a pivotal role as a significant growing market for these delectable fruits.

The ambassador shared the advancements achieved through extensive Research & Development (R&D) in traditional mango varieties, including Safaid Chaunsa, Azeem Chaunsa, black Chaunsa, and late Chaunsa, further enhancing their commercial value.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2023.

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