OBSERVER REPORT KARACHI The World’s renowned exhibition of Fruits & Ve g et a bl e s – “ F r uit logistica” has recently concluded in Berlin (Germany). Eight Pakistani companies set up their stalls while TDAP also established a national Pavilion in the exhibition. More than fifty Pakistani delegates participated in this mega event. The participating companies received overwhelming response from the foreign buyers. The buyers from United Kingdom , France , Norway , Germany , Switzerland , Russia , Ukraine , Ireland , Netherlands , Spain , Morocco , displayed immense interest in Pakistani Kinnow , Dates , Potato , Onion , Green Ve g et a bl e s , a n d mango and valueadded products of fruits , mango pulp , Guava Pulp , Apple Juice concentrate for the forthcoming season to follow. According to Waheed Ahmed, the Patron-in-Chief, All P a ki st a n F r uit & Ve g – etable Exporters, Importers & Merchants A s s o ci ati o n ( P F VA ) , the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) set up a very attractive Pavilion in Hall # 26 which remained focus of attraction by the foreign buyers . Foreign buyers expressed deep interest in purchase of F r uit s, Ve geta ble s a n d value -added products worth of USD 25 million. However due to quality issues & various agriculture diseases the export is expected to remain between USD 12 – 15 million. Export to the European market is also likely to encounter problems. On other hand despite bumper crop of Kinnow this year, the quality issues are likely to restrict export. Due to these issues, Pakistani exporters have put a “selfimposed ban” on export of Kinnow to EU market and it’s also becoming increasingly difficult to honour commitment of exports’ orders due to Kinnow being infected with various diseases. Most of the Chinese stalls gave “deserted look” this year and participation by the Chinese delegates were significantly low besides lesser participation from other countries. Experts participating in the exhibition expressed fear that the Corona Virus is likely to have serious negative impact on International trade leading to significant reduction in volume of fruits, vegetables and foods.
