MULTAN, Aug 30: President, Mango Growers Association (MGA), Syed Zahid Hussain Gardezi, on Saturday said that Islamic Republic of Iran is eager to import Pakistani mangoes if negotiations take place at the government-level between the two brotherly countries in this regard.

He said that during his recent visit to Iran he met a number of fruit importers and wholesalers and found them very enthusiastic about Pakistani mango.

Gardezi said that though export of mango to Iran was not hitherto allowed, the smuggled inferior quality mango was present on the Iranian markets and sold like hot cakes due to its unique flavour and delicious taste.

He said that many unscrupulous traders were selling Pakistani mango as Indian species in Iran.

Zahid Gardezi said that as both People’s Republic of China and Iran have formally allowed the import of Pakistani mango, it is need of the hour to capitalise on this opportunity swiftly.

He suggested that low-return trade in export of mango should be banned and the value-added export of mango should be compulsorily augmented which includes procurement of mango fruit for export directly from the orchards apart from other post- harvest handling operations for value-addition.

Gardezi said that Iran, Central Asian States, China and Far East are our future markets for mango export, but care should be taken of to prevent deceitful traders to damage the popularity of Pakistani mango.

The MGA chief said it is pertinent to recall that Iran in early seventies was a very good market for Pakistani citrus fruit but due to mixing of bricks in citrus crates by greedy exporters the exports to Iran were banned.

Gardezi said that in Tehran he met Pakistan’s Commercial Counsellor Muhammad Ayub and discussed with him the possibility of In-Store mango show in Tehran and Mashhad next year to lure the tasteful populace of Iran.

He said that Mango Growers Association has planned to take up this issue with the EPB, Ministry of Commerce and the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Board and will ensure that quality mango produce is sent to Iran directly from the mango growing areas.—APP