KARACHI, Nov 25: The Ministry of Commerce has finally given a go-ahead signal for export of kinoo in wooden crates. The ministry took the decision on November 22 after examining the case, sources said.

The Ministry of Commerce had earlier advised the Export Promotion Bureau to rescind its instructions issued to the Customs for restricting kinoo exports in wooden crates.

In a fax message to EPB vice chairman on November 22, and its copies sent to Collector of Customs (Exports); director general, Plant Protection Department; and chairman, Pakistan Horticulture and Export Board, the Ministry of Commerce was of the view that the EPB’s order, which had disallowed kinoo exports in wooden crates on April 24, cannot be issued under the laws. Such powers for regulating export trade are only derived from the Export Policy and Procedures Order and vest in the Ministry of Commerce.

However, in another move, the ministry is looking forward to encourage export of kinoo and other fresh fruits and vegetables in cardboard cartons.

In this regard, the EPB in the same letter, has been asked by the ministry to devise an incentivization scheme and provide training and facilitation to the exporters, particularly focussing on kinoo growing areas like Sargodha, so that the exporters voluntarily shift their packing from wooden crates to cardboard carton.

The ministry has asked the EPB to prepare a comprehensive policy package in this regard.

The Export Collectorate, on the impression of the court’s order of November 16, had restricted the kinoo exports in wooden crates on November 19, but later resumed it after the Sindh High Court had summoned the Collector of Customs for misinterpreting the court’s order.

Representatives of the EPB, CBR, Ministry of Food, Collector of Customs and kinoo exporters of both wooden and carton will appear in the court on Tuesday.

The SHC judge had sought a written explanation from Collector of Customs (Exports) with regard to his letter and would also appear before this court as his purported interpretation of the court’s order as contained in his letter and the decision taken by him purportedly on the basis of such interpretation had not only caused difficulties for the exporters but may also result in loss of foreign exchange to the country. Chairman, Fresh Fruits Vegetable Exporters and Processors, Matin Siddiqui, and representatives of Pakistan Citrus Export Board will also appear in the court.