BEIJING, Aug 25: China will encourage import of agro-based products from Pakistan, including rice and fruits, this was stated by Cao Xumin, the chairman of China’s Chamber of Commerce for import and export of food stuffs and native produce.

Addressing a ceremony held here in connection with promotion-campaign of Pakistani mango, he said the prospects of food business in China are quite rich.

The country registered a 40 per cent increase in the import of foodstuff in the recent year. Pakistan is a new player in this field and its businessmen need to work hard to get due place in the local market, he said.

The Chinese government has already decided to allow the import of Kinoo and rice from this year. He expressed the hope that the food trade would give a big boost to their economic ties.

Ambassador Salman Bashir in his address on the occasion expressed the hope that Pakistani mango, known worldwide for their rich taste, flavour and fragrance would also be received well by the Chinese consumers.

“We are taking all necessary measures to introduce the country’s agro-based products in the local market,” he said adding, “China, being a friendly and highly populated country, could be a good market for our food items.”

Commercial Counsellor Shahid Mahmood said Pakistan was hopeful of exporting a big quantity of mango to China on competitive price. He noted that the local traders had also shown keen interest for its import, he added.

A promoter of Pakistani foodstuff Muhammad Yaseen told APP in an interview that initial response for the sale of mango is quite encouraging.

“I think Pakistani mango is sweeter and juicer than the mangoes I’ve tried before,” said a Chinese official Wu Jianmin. “Never knew Pakistani mangoes tasted so sweet and juicy”, said another Chinese fruit-lover Wang Lie.

It is for the first time that Pakistan fruit has come to China for export purpose. “We consider it a breakthrough in development of our bilateral trade,” said an official of Parkson super market.

Pakistan has formally launched sale of its mango in the Chinese market, making a new beginning in promotion of food trade between the two friendly countries.

Pakistani mango Chaunsa has been put on sale at a local super market. It will soon be introduced in other markets as well as major cities like Shanghai and Urumqi.—APP