KARACHI: Pakistan’s mango exports to European countries rose 47 per cent to 6,085 tonnes from 4,132 tonnes a year earlier. Exports to Iran increased to 12,878 tonnes from 12,056.

Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) Chairman Waheed Ahmed attributed the rise to food ministry’s efforts which played a major role in averting a threat of ban by the EU on country’s fruit exports.

He appreciated the government for approving projects like common facility centres and pack houses in Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore and Multan.

Due to efforts of Plant Protection Department, the chairman said, China for the first time had agreed to accept the quarantine certificates of Pakistan for imports of fruit.­

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2015