US support increases Pakistan’s mango exports to $20.5m: Olson

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United States Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson on Monday said the U.S. government is supporting Pakistan’s mango farmers through infrastructure upgrades, new market opportunities and access to international certifications. The ambassador was speaking at the 2013 Annual Mango Conference and Festival. He said, “US support has led to increased mango sales of $20.5 million and a five-fold increase in exports of mangoes to international markets,” he added. Olson and Commerce Secretary Qasim Niaz joined mango growers and exporters at the conference to celebrate the unprecedented success of Pakistan’s mango sector in the last few years. The US government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has helped boost mango production and exports to international markets, leading to 75 percent increase in farm revenues and creation of hundreds of new jobs across Pakistan.