FPCCI wants EU to relax requirements for Pakistani mangoes

0
179

 

 

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Standing Committee Chairman Ahmad Jawad has urged the European Union to relax the requirements for Pakistani mangoes.

Jawad said it is unjustified that the EU authorities graded them with red and yellow cards, despite the fact that Pakistani exporters tried their level best to come up to the requirements of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG SANCO) and they are still doing it.

“European Union must realise that Pakistani mango is a famous fruit in many EU countries due to its rich aroma and unique taste,” he said.

Jawad said that mango is the prime product of Pakistan and the country could earn precious foreign exchange through its export. He said they are already working on projects for boosting mango production and improving the quality of fruit.

FPCCI Standing Committee Chief further asked the mango exporters and growers for hot water treatment of the fruit to protect it from the fruit fly. He also asked them to acquire quality examination certificate before exporting any vegetable or fruit.

However, after rising number of complaints of fruit fly in Pakistani mangos by the EU last year, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research decided to allow exports only to selected mango orchards, certified/registered by the Ministry after confirming that it is free of fruit fly. In addition, hot water treatment was also declared mandatory to ensure quality export to the EU countries.

However, mango prices of certified orchards are some 50 to 75 per cent higher than others.

“This is why, we are seeking export of mangos without the condition of certified orchards to the EU countries,” he added.

Jawad also said that Pakistan is one of the leading suppliers of mango to the EU countries and during 2013, some 15,000 tonnes of mangoes was exported to Europe. Later Pakistan’s exports declined drastically due to strict conditions imposed by European countries on the import of mangos from Pakistan. During last year, after the imposition of the conditions by the ministry, some 6,000 tonnes of mangos were exported. This year, exporters have set a mango export target of around 10,000 tonnes to Europe, he added.

He said that after the condition of hot water treatment, there is no need for registration of mango orchards as after the treatment, fruit fly is eliminated.