Offering support: FPCCI stands by fruit, vegetable exporters

Assures efforts for installation of treatment plants.

FPCCI was briefed about the role of PFVA in enhancement of fruit and vegetable exports. PHOTO: EXPRESS

KARACHI:
Addressing the woes of food exporters, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Mian Muhammad Idrees has assured vegetable and fruit exporters that he will provide full support in harnessing potential of the horticulture sector.

Idrees said this while addressing a meeting with the delegation of All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA).

He said efforts would be made to convince the government for the installation of Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) and Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plants.



The FPCCI chief was briefed about the role of the association in enhancement of fruit and vegetable exports and the efforts it has been making for the progress of the horticulture sector in recent years.


PFVA Chairman Abdul Khaliq Yusuf highlighted various impediments in enhancement of exports like custom`s examination and delay in clearance of export consignments.

Meanwhile, former PFVA chairman Waheed Ahmed said the current export revenue of $625 million can easily be enhanced with the help of research and development in the field.

“There is a need of a commercial VHT plant in Pakistan to export mangoes to Japan that has not been installed after it had been imported nearly 18 months ago.

“Pakistani fruits and vegetables are in high demand but due to unfavourable policies and impediments the export potential of this sector has not been fully exploited.”

He stressed the need to include representation of the PFVA as a stakeholder in committees of FPCCI, Custom, FBR and other organisations.


Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th,  2015.

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