Collaboration between Pakistan, China: Vast scope exists for joint ventures in floriculture: PCJCCI

LAHORE: There is a vast scope of joint ventures between Pakistan and China in the field of floriculture. This was stated by Moazzam Ghurki, President Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) while addressing a Chinese delegation from Shandong province on Thursday.

He warmly welcomed the delegates and said that the proposed ventures in floriculture industry could be very prolific for Pakistan as the country was blessed with favourable agro climatic conditions, cheap labour and easily available variety of soils; it had potential to develop a resilient floriculture sector.

Moazzam Ghurki said that in recent years, flower production had increased in Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chunian, Okara, Faisalabad, Sahiwal and Gujranwala.

Over hundred varieties of flowers were being produced in these cities; the most prominent were carnations, jasmine, tulips and roses in dozens of colours. He added an investor in the floriculture sector of Pakistan could get maximum profit by making the product value added for supplies to hotels as flower baskets, bouquets and bunches for direct export.

Hamza Khalid, Vice President PCJCCI suggested that the interested investors should establish training centers and model nurseries in Pakistan with latest planting technologies. He also said Pakistan direly needs a “cool chain” which would ensure flowers/plants to be kept in suitable environment. He added that the “cool chain system” covering the whole country could save about the 40% production that was wasted due to absence of proper cold storage facilities and improper handling.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI said that the value added products from non-conventional floricultural crops like essential oil of rose, tube rose, jasmine etc, and plants extracts used in medicines and pharmaceutical industry were unique and had great potential for export and import substitution. There is lack of resources and skilled persons to develop the industry up to international standards, therefore, Chinese stakeholders could be helpful, he added.

Meanwhile, Alex Pan from Chinese delegation told that change in lifestyle and better standard of living in China had increased the demand for the floriculture products.

Fang Yulong, Senior Vice President PCJCCI said that this increase in demand of cut flowers was also due to increase in celebrations of different ceremonies in the society like weddings and birthday parties etc. He informed that currently the major cities Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong were the most important consumption markets.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022