The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the top importer of Pakistani mangoes by importing about 19984.37 tons mangoes during the period from July-April 2010-11. The mangoes export to UAE registered an increase of 31.91 percent when it was compared with the export of same period last years and earned Rs 486.96 million.
An official in the Ministry of Commerce told newsmen here on Wednesday that mangoes export during the period from July-April 2009-10 was recorded at 11,528.70 tons worth Rs 331.67 million. He informed that United Kingdom (UK) was the second top importer of Pakistani mangoes by importing 12152.67 tons worth Rs 419.07 million during period under review.
The mangoes export to UK markets was stood at 8308.26 during the period from July-April 2009-10 worth Rs 272.80, he added. He further informed that Pakistani mangoes also captured the markets of Saudi Arabia as its export to KSA reached 7279.20 tons worth Rs 199.89 million during the current season. Meanwhile, the mango export during July-April 2009-10 was recorded at 11,876 tons and Rs 304.87 million.
However, during the period under view, mangoes export to UK and KSA registered a declining trend during current financial year as export was decreased by 34.90 and 34.43 percent respectively. Mangoes from the country also supplied to Germany, Canada, Belgium, Bahrain, Denmark, Malaysia, Maldives, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland markets.
It may be recalled that this year Pakistani mangoes were also introduced in US and Japans markets which were highly appreciated and demanded in these markets. Many varieties of mangoes are produced in the country, which have huge demand in international markets due to its enriched natural taste and size but unfortunately a major portion of output get wasted due to non-availability of post harvest techniques in the country. Country can fetched a huge foreign exchange by providing technical training, cold chain and post harvest technologies as well as by meeting the international quality and hygiene standards.