ISLAMABAD, July 12: The government has constituted Pakistan Horticulture Export Board (PHEB) with a view to promoting horticulture exports.

An official source in the ministry of commerce told Dawn that the board will be an autonomous body, which would be funded from the Export Development Fund (EDF).

The board would consist of members from both public and private sectors, which will be headed by a chairman.

This was decided in the first meeting of PHEB chaired by Commerce Minister, Abdul Razak Dawood here on Friday. The minister appointed, Afaq Tiwana as first chairman of the board.

Elaborating the functions of the board, the official said that PHEB will be responsible for making valuable contribution in boosting the exports of fresh fruits, vegetables and floriculture.

PHEB would also involve in marketing of horticulture products abroad as well as in removing irritants in domestic marketing.

The board will be registered under Societies Registration Act, which will have offices in the four provincial capitals.

All the functions, which earlier were performed by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) regarding promotion of horticulture export will now be performed by the board, the officials added.

According to an official announcement, Commerce Minister Abul Razak Dawood, during the meeting, emphasized the need for adopting modern technology and latest trends in preservation, ripening, grading, packing for exporting fruits and vegetables.

Mr Dawood said that this forum would act as coordinator and facilitator for the growers, processors and exporters of horticulture.

The board members must adopt a long term strategy aimed at international market requirements and orientate their production diversification according to world demand. The board should also take up research and development activities to keep pace with ever changing technology, the minister urged.

The commerce minister said that in addition to its primary role of increasing the volume of exports, the board would formulate and implement the national horticulture policy and develop and implement horticulture export marketing strategies.