The first ever mango promotion show, “Taste of Pakistani Mango,” was held at a hotel in Seoul, aimed at capturing the $13 million South Korean market.
People from different walks of life, including a large number of Korean importers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables, chain store buyers, prominent Korean businessmen, members of the diplomatic corps, Korean government officials, members of Pakistani community and media attended the event.
The event was organised by the commercial section of the Embassy of Pakistan, in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan Horticulture Export & Development Company (PHDEC) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), sources said. Pakistani mangoes entered the Korean market for the first time in 2012 after years of sustained efforts by the government and Pakistani Embassy.
The Korean mango market is estimated at around $13 million and is dominated by Thai, Taiwanese and Philippines mangoes, currently capturing about 90 percent of the market share. However, Pakistani mangoes can capture a substantial share in the Korean market due to their superior quality and taste.
Korean Importers Association (KOIMA) Chairman Shinn Tae Young was the chief guest of the event. He expressed his delight at the availability of Pakistani mangoes for local consumers.
In his welcome address, Ambassador of Pakistan Shaukat Ali Mukadam spoke of the expanding economic relations between the two countries and the potential of further growth in bilateral trade between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and South Korea has witnessed steady growth in the last few years, with the volume reaching $1.6 billion in 2012 said Mukadam. He added that Pakistan’s exports to Korea in 2012 were $776 million.
Pakistan’s Commercial Counsellor in Seoul Aamir Nazir Gondal introduced agri-products and urged Korean importers and distributors to service their horticulture needs from Pakistan.
PHEDC Chairman Hassan Ali Chaniho highlighted the strengths of Pakistan’s agriculture sector and expressed his hope that in view of the increasing bilateral trade between the two countries, high quality fruits and vegetables from Pakistan would be made available to Korean consumers.
This was followed by display and tasting of different varieties of mango as well as several dishes and delicacies of the fruit. It was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the participants.
First ever Pakistani mango show held in South Korea
