KARACHI: The fruit and vegetable exporters have lauded the government decision to ban wooden packing of mangoes.
All Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Exporters and Merchants Association, in a statement, applauded the decision of Federal Ministry for National Food Security and Research.
In a letter trade ministry, the association has given consent on a decision of usage of substandard wooden fruit packaging. Association also said, “We are not against wooden packing but the wood should be processed and meet the international standards.” It is also observed that this sub standard wooden packing has lessened the demands of Pakistani fruits in UAE and other countries.
The competitors of Pakistan have been using latest fruit packaging and also get added fruit prices. In this regard, Association has suggested the paper packing instead of sub standard wooden packing of fruits in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s annual export target is 175,000 tons that will earn about $65 million. Europe is one of the biggest markets where Pakistan exports about 24,000 tons annually but this year sales are expected to decline because of the new safety measures.
