KARACHI – Kinnow exporters of the country have been advised to accelerate their fruit exports to Malaysia with sizable percentage of Chinese origin population fast preparing for their New Year festival celebrated on February 5.
Traditionally Chinese present Kinnow to each other during the New Year season as a holy fruit and it is right time to market Kinnow popular among the Chinese, constituting almost 40 percent of the total population of Malaysia, said senior horticulturist and fruit exporter, Ahmed Jawad.
Talking to APP Friday, he appreciated that prospects of trade could turn even better following Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to Malaysia.
“Although citrus export to Malaysia is already covered under a preferential trade agreement yet room for further growth in the Malaysian market always exists,” he said.
Jawad also a former Chairman of FPCCI Standing Committee on Horticulture Exports said Kinnow could be marketed in Malaysia profitably as its enjoys a reputation for its best quality.
There also exists sufficient cargo space for Malaysia while high purchasing power of the consumers and value-addition due to better marketing techniques are factors that goes to our benefit, said the expert.
According to Ahmed Jawad need to avail the opportunity is particularly important in the coming season, to commence on December 1, as Pakistan is likely to set an export target of 270,000 tons whereas total anticipated production during the current season is around 2.2 million tons.
He said besides seeking more market space in Malaysia concerted efforts are required to search for markets in Iran along with Russia.
“Iran is a big market for Pakistani Kinnow, however, due to non-issuance of an import permit by the Government of Iran, export of kinnow to the market stands suspended for past few years,” he said.
The formal official of FPCCI said authorities need to take up the issue with the Iranian Commerce ministry as the neighboring country do appear to be interested in resuming Kinnow exports from Pakistan.
To a query, Ahmed Jawad said citrus exports to China hold tremendous potential as special space has been given by Chinese government under the Belt and Road Initiative.