JAKARTA: Indonesian Consul General in Karachi Hadi Santoso, while speaking to a delegation of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), has assured traders that his country will continue to import Pakistani oranges.
The PFVA delegation expressed concern over the recent developments that implied Indonesia was considering banning import of oranges from Pakistan.
“An Indonesian quarantine team recently visited Pakistan to inspect the orchards where oranges are grown,” said the press release, adding “the team expressed satisfaction with the current conditions.”
PFVA Chairman Waheed Ahmed told the consul general that the association members are exporting fruits and vegetables to 70 countries. The association has assisted the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) Pakistan in introducing standard operating procedures at packaging houses and orchards to bring them in line with international standards.
The PFVA delegation discussed the import of Indonesian fruits by Pakistan via Dubai, emphasising the need for direct export channels. Aslam Pakhali, a member of the PFVA delegation, said imports from Indonesia are increasing and will continue to rise once the free trade agreement (FTA) is implemented. He assured Santoso of PFVA’s support in facilitating Indonesian trade delegations in Pakistan for the promotion of bilateral trade.
Another member suggested that Indonesia should increase the import of Pakistani oranges since they are cheaper as compared to Australia, the US and China. Santoso underscored the need for direct exports from Pakistan to Indonesia, eliminating the role of any third party. He also assured the traders that his office will facilitate the Indonesian buyers visiting Pakistan in order to promote the fruit and vegetable trade.
