Pakistani fruit makes name in Indonesia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan fruit especially oranges and mangoes are in great demand in Indonesia.

Despite the high level of import duty Pakistani citrus fruit can be seen on sale in all markets, says a press release received here from Jakarta on Tuesday.

The liking for mangoes is manifold which can be ascertained from the comments offered by various Indonesian dignitaries as well as members of the diplomatic corps who received the `Chaunsa' as Eid gift from the Ambassador of Pakistan to Jakarta.

Indonesian friends including Ministers, business executives and media-men described the `Chaunsa' mangoes as `honey fruit'.

It may be added that over 850 kgs of mangoes of `Chaunsa' variety were procured by the Embassy from Pakistan in coordination with a local Pakistan-origin Indonesian businessman Malik Asif to be presented as gifts on Eid-ul-Fitr.

This is the second time that Ambassador Sanaullah has arranged import of Pakistani mangoes for popularizing them among Indonesian friends.

The liking for the mango is an encouraging sign for import of Pakistani fruit to Indonesia. It is also heartening to note that the Indonesian government has shown willingness to allow zero tariff on Pakistani citrus fruit in due course.

With the signing of PTA between Pakistan and Indonesia in near future, the local market is bound to receive Pakistani agri-products.

It is expected that Secretary Commerce Zafar Mehmood who is scheduled to visit Indonesia to attend the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Forum on September 15 would take up matters regarding bilateral trade with his Indonesian counterpart.

Many meetings are in the pipeline, including the 8th TNC.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Pakistan has finalized arrangements to host Pakistan-Indonesia Business Forum which will be attended by top businessmen from both countries.

This is the first Business Forum being organized in last fifteen years. The main areas of economic cooperation that would be discussed during the Forum include: rice, surgical instruments, textile fabrics, palm oil, pharmaceutical and cosmetics, meat and livestock, fruit, vegetables as well as hotel and services.

Zafar Mehmood along with Ambassador Sanaullah and Director General, Ministry of Trade Indonesia, Gusmardi Bustami will address the Forum.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011