By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan, which is the fifth largest producer of mangoes in the world, needs to exploit its mango export potential, says Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
“Though Pakistani mangoes are known for their quality and taste all over the world, this potential has not been exploited to its fullest in the $1 billion worldwide trade of mangoes,” Gilani said while addressing the Pakistan Mango Extravaganza here.
“The occasion is important as it reflects our government’s efforts to focus on the export sector of the country. My government is committed to encouraging the local exporters through provision of necessary facilities and incentives,” Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Gilani as saying.
The prime minister said that they were taking steps to improve the infrastructure.
“Most of you may be surprised to know that Pakistan is the fifth largest producer of mangoes in the world,” Gilani said. He added that according to Economic Survey of Pakistan, Punjab and Sindh were the largest producers and their share in production was 67 percent and 33 percent, respectively.
Sindhri, chaunsa and fajri are amongst the mango exported to major markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Britain, he added.
Gilani said Pakistan exported $30 million worth of mangoes in the fiscal year 2009-10 and it is expected that its export for fiscal 2010-11 would be around $30.5 million.