MULTAN, Dec 4 A modern research institute and a modern marketing network will be set up in Multan to enhance mango exports.

This was stated by Commissioner Multan Syed Muhammad Ali Gardezi at a meeting with a delegation of mango growers association. He said that the Punjab government had worked on marketing of the fruit in collaboration with the private sector and as a result the growers would be able to get a reasonable price of their produce.

He urged the growers to introduce distinctive verities of Pakistani mango all over the world and adopt modern packaging techniques to increase their exports.

Mr Gardezi assured the mango growers of the fullest government cooperation for the establishment of the mango research institute and for quality certification that would help increase exports.

President Mango Growers Association Zahid Ali Gardezi said that a mango processing plant had been installed in Multan, while to promote the importance of the fruit the setting up of a `mango city` was in process.

He said that the local and international experts would be invited to the mango festival, which would be held next year.