India may become large market for Pak fruits, vegetables

ISLAMABAD (APP) - India could become a large market for Pakistani fruits and vegetables in a free trade environment and exports of these commodities could fetch $3 billion in the next five years, trade experts said. There is need that we focus on free trade of fruits, vegetables and other farm products to enhance their exports, Harvest Tradings Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jawad said. He said that Pakistani agricultural traders have suggested that fruits and vegetables should not be included in the negative list being prepared in relation to trade with India instead, value added products including mango pulp could be put in the list. Jawad was of the view that Pakistan could substantially increase the volume and value of fruit and vegetable exports after gaining access to the Indian market and diverting focus from high-value markets of Europe and America. In the case of latter, heavy investment was required to acquire international standard and quality certification necessary for exports, he pointed out. India could be a big importer of Pakistani kinnow and mango, Ahmad Jawad told APP here Wednesday. He said that production of kinnow is estimated to be around two million tons this year, of which 300,000 tons could be exported, adding exports of kinnow could be increased further in case of trade with India. Similarly, he suggested that India and Pakistan could jointly market mango in the international market for eight to nine months in a year because mango season in India starts in March and continues till June while the season in Pakistan begins in June and lasts till October. For the upcoming season, starting next month, there are encouraging reports of kinnow production ranging around 2.5 million metric tones, he said, adding there is a strong prospect that countrys exports would surpass previous years figure. He claimed that the national exchequer would earn up to $200m if the export target is met. On the other hand, Indian (Punjab) is expected to produce 0.73 million tones of kinnows, more than double of last years 0.35 million tones but this could not meet the requirement of Indian consumers. In view of these advantages, the Indian and Pakistani governments should formulate comprehensive policies to improve trade. He however stressed the need for establishing an economic union along the lines of Europe. He stressed the need for making visa process easy, adding that all the nations in the region should discuss how a single visa can enable a person to travel throughout the region.

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