KARACHI: Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has failed completely to chalk out any plan or devising strategy to facilitate horticulture exports due to lack of interests of its chief executive officer (CEO) and it is matter of grave concern.
This was stated by Chairman Standing Committee of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) on Horticulture & Agriculture Produce, Ahmad Jawad said.
He said that despite having immense potential in the horticulture sectors, massive decrease was witnessed in the exports which is against national interests.
Ahmad Jawad said after the appointment of sitting CEO TDAP, country exports witnessed a massive decrease which was matter of grave concern. Though Pakistan has an immense potential in the horticulture sectors, but unfortunately TDAP which has mandate to play its important role to increasing exports not focus on the horticulture exports which termed as a golden basket, he said.
However the fact that Pakistan’s share in global horticulture exports is just 0.3% is highly unfortunate, he said that the horticulture exports could grow to iconic proportions and touch as high as $7 billion in the next decade if Research and Development (R&D) is vigorously pursued and required infrastructure is established and also TDAP took their required interest.
Jawa said, “Pakistani fruits and vegetables have great export potential that needs to be harnessed to capture hungry world markets where Pakistani mangoes, dates and kinnow in particular, are in great demand.”. Yet Pakistan dates have lack of processing infrastructure despite the fact we have 4th largest producer in the world and produced more than 250 varieties
He further stressed that the only way to capture the global market is to process, add value and improve the shelf life of the perishable commodities to benefit small farmers and also the country at large.
“I strongly desire that FPCCI and other departments play a prominent role in the enhancement of fresh produce exports to increase export volumes,” he remarked.
According to Jawad, apart from the few circumstances like floods, the main cause of import of fruits and vegetables is our non-serious attitude towards infrastructure, R&D and issues coupled with our inherent national characteristic of resolving problems only when they get out of proportion.
He stressed upon the Ministry of Commerce and Planning Commission to draft and implement the horticulture export policy for the period of 2016-20 on priority and enlist the yearly allocation in the PSDP (Public Sector Development Programme) after consultation with FPCCI.
