After meeting the quarantine standards of various markets in Japan, China, Iran and USA, Pakistan has requested Thailand to open its door for the export of Pakistani mango and other fruits.
To ensure the quality standard of fruits, Thai Government may send a team of experts to inspect the VHT facility and other standard issues in Pakistan. The formal request was made by Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Javed Anwar Khan while discussing the issue with a high ranked delegation from Thailand led by its Minister, Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Nat Pinyowattanacheep, here at TDAP office on Thursday.
The nine member delegation from Thailand comprised of delegates from Thai Chamber of Commerce, The Federation of Thai Industries, Board of Investment, Statistics and Research Bureau and MOFA. The Consul General and Honorary Trade Advisor Consulate General of Thailand in Karachi Arif Suleman were also present in the meeting.
As China, Japan and USA have already approved the standard of Pakistani mango allowing it into their markets, Thailand could be another important market for Pakistani fruits especially mango and oranges, secretary TDAP said.
While talking to Pakistan Today Javed Anwar said that since Pakistan is following all Phyto Sanitary Standards and many South East countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have allowed imports of fruits and vegetables from Pakistan, Islamabad has also requested the Thai government to allow import of mango from Pakistan.
Though Thailand also has abundant production of mango and other fruits, change in the season of crop could definitely provide an opportunity for Pakistani exports in the foreign country, he added.
Javed said, China and Iran have also lifted restriction on the import of mango and oranges from Pakistan.
TDAP, he said, has also requested their Thai counterparts to send an inspection team to Pakistan to personally inspect the processing unit and orchards of fresh fruits. Secretary TDAP also extended invitation to the leader of the delegation to send Thai businessmen to the country during Expo Pakistan. He said TDAP will provide logistical support and hospitality.
He also informed the delegation about TDAP’s plans for opening a gems and Jewellery facility in Karachi and requested for technical cooperation from Thailand.
The Secretary also briefed them about bilateral trade between the two countries. He identified textiles, fruits and vegetables, sea food, gems and jewelry as potential sectors for joint ventures between the two states.
According to sources, the Thai minister, while appreciating the warm welcome by TDAP said that the Thai Government attaches great importance to enhancing trade with Pakistan. He assured that their concerned departments will extend technical cooperation to the country in many fields including gems and jewellery, seafood and alternative energy solutions.
The members of delegation further informed that there is a vast potential for enhancing trade between Pakistan and Thailand which can increase to $2 billion in the next 3 years if concerted efforts are made.
Representatives from Federation of Thai Industries informed that in Thailand, associations have 40 different sectoral groups and Pakistan’s sectoral associations should develop linkages with these groups for value addition, joint ventures, technology transfer and cooperation.
