Iran reopens its market to Pakistani citrus
Pakistan
Tuesday 27 April 2021
FJ
In Pakistan, kinnow is mainly produced in the Punjab region. The country plans to export 400,000 tonnes of kinnow in the 2021-22 season
(Photo: prideofpakistan.com).
Iran has just lifted the restrictions imposed for 9 years on the importation of Pakistani kinnow (variety of mandarin). Before the embargo, Iran was an important market for Pakistan with 80,000 to 90,000 tonnes of kinnow per year.
In Pakistan, the Foreign Ministry announced that Iran had lifted its restrictions on the importation of Pakistani kinnow (variety of tangerine). According to the ministry, Iran in 2012 banned the importation of Pakistani kinnow to protect its local market. But strong domestic demand has caused this change and the Iranian market will be open for the 2021-22 Pakistani kinnow season.
According to PFVA (Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters and Importers Association), Iran was an important market, with 80,000 to 90,000 tonnes of kinnow imported before the embargo. The reopening of the Iranian market is estimated at $45 million in turnover.
This reopening bodes well for Pakistani professionals who must, according to PFVA, maintain their efforts in R&D, research and development, to continue to introduce new varieties, as well as focus on increasing production per hectare. The increase in production in quantity and quality, with the adoption of packaging in accordance with international standards, will allow an increase in exports.
FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry) predicts that during the 2021-22 season, kinnow exports could reach 400,000 tonnes.
source : tribune.com.pk