Pakistan cleared for mango exports to South Korea

Pakistan hopes to export up to 15000 tonnes of mangoes over the next few years to South Korea.

KARACHI: South Korea has finally allowed import of Pakistani mangoes after it approved the standard and quality of the 'king of fruits'.

The first ever shipment of mango to Seoul started during the current season, co-chairman, Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) Waheed Ahmed said on Monday.

"With this land mark achievement, Pakistani mango exporters got the market access of a third highly valued and important country after United States and Japan", he noted.

He said mangoes exported to Korea through sea routes can become the second most important destination for sea shipments after Dubai.

The development came after approval of the standards of Pakistani mangoes by a panel of South Korean experts who recently visited the Hard Water Treatment Facility of Iftikhar Ahmed and Company and Pakistan Horti Fresh Processing and found the treatment facility as per the required standards.

Waheed appreciated the contributions of PFVA, the Pakistan Horticulture Export and Development Company and the Pakistani Embassy in Seoul for getting this land mark achievement.

During the last three years, Pakistan has successfully obtained market access to US, Japan, Jordan, Mauritius, and South Korea.

Preparations for market access to Australia, another important export destination, are already under process, he added.

Though Seoul also imports mangoes from the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and others, the unique taste and quality of Pakistani fruits were enough to compete and earn a sizable share in the foreign market.

He pointed out that consignments could be shipped to Seoul within 14 days where at least 10,000 to 15,000 tonnes of mangoes could be exported during next few years. However, due to absence of marketing and advertisement, export of mango could remain limited during the current season.

Waheed suggested the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to organise a visit for a business delegation from Pakistan to South Korea soon in order to introduce the different varieties of the fruit in the foreign market.