The negligence and delaying tactics of shipping companies in the country are not only causing huge losses to exporters but also affecting the country’s exports badly. Kinnow exporters, who have faced almost $0.35 million losses during last season due to the negligence and delayed handling of consignments, have serious reservation over the performance of shipping companies during the forthcoming season of Kinnow.
Waheed Ahmed, former Chairman All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) told Profit that the companies were causing losses to the exporters of fruit and vegetables through either delaying the shipment of consignments or leaving the containers at ports for unknown reasons. Demanding the imposition of heavy penalties over the negligence of shipping companies, he said, the Ministry of Commerce should take action against the responsible companies as the move was badly affecting the country’s exports.
The climatic change affecting the crop of vegetables and fruits, and hindrance in cargo handling will adversely impact the exports of perishable items like fruits and vegetables from Pakistan. According to Waheed, any delay in exports will cause a loss of millions of rupees and give Pakistan’s competitors an edge in the international market. During the last season, the country could only export 0.215 million tonnes of Kinnow against the targeted export of 0.260 million tonnes due to shipping issues and smuggling to Iran. Last year, he said, despite the scheduled date of shipment, shipping companies had left the consignment at ports without informing the exporters which caused damages to the fruits and cancellation of import orders. He demanded the government’s interference and check on the companies. Besides, the unchecked smuggling of Kinnow by almost 80 per cent to Iran was also reducing exports despite better crop and production in the country. Waheed claimed that almost 2 million tonnes of Kinnow production was expected this year out of which 0.3 million tonnes export target has been set by the government. The country would generate almost $200 million if the target was achieved. According to him, PFVA this year will focus on the markets of Africa and Asia for the export of Kinnow and other fruits. The markets of China, which had allowed the country’s Kinnow, were yet to be tapped.
