Beijing, 23 June, 2023 (GNP): Moin ul Haque, Pakistan’s ambassador to China has announced that Pakistani cherries will be exported to Chinese consumer markets, soon after signing the China-Pakistan protocol for cherry exports.
The development came during the recent trade delegation’s visit to Gilgit Baltistan (G-B) region, known for its exquisite cherries.
While describing the cherries as sweet and juicy, Haque expressed his optimism about the newfound economic opportunity for local farmers.
He underscored that the insightful visit of the Chinese delegation and the signing of the protocol would pave the way for Pakistani cherries to enter the highly coveted Chinese markets.
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During his last year’s visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif established a cooperative protocol between China and Pakistan. Under this protocol, China not only received permission to import cherries from Pakistan but also supported local growers in enhancing production capabilities.
Moreover, last month a delegation of 15 Chinese buyers from prominent Xinjiang, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Weifang provinces embarked on their visit to Gilgit Baltistan.
Their visit aimed to explore exciting options for purchasing and importing cherries directly from Pakistan.
Furthermore, they experienced interaction with local farmers, as well as met with prominent government officials to shed light on future ventures. China also conducted inspections of the cherry orchards, ensuring the highest quality standards for the fruit.
Additionally, Gilgit Baltistan produces nearly 5000 metric tonnes of cherries per season. However, due to limited local consumption, growers prefer exporting the fruit.
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Considering the perishable nature of cherries, Pakistan has been actively seeking nearby export destinations, with China being the most promising market due to its proximity and growing demand for fruit.
Presently, China relies heavily on cherries imported from South American countries, with an annual demand of approximately 350,000 metric tonnes.
According to media reports, the burgeoning demand in the Chinese market encourages farmers to harness modern technology and adopt advanced farming practices for growing quality fruit.
Doulart Karim, a Pakistani logistics trader based in Kashgar, showed interest in importing Pakistani cherries this year. Emphasizing the importance of exports, he highlighted the prospects for orchard owners and traders to maximize their profits.
Analyzing the organic nature of the fruit, Karim emphasizes that this distinctive factor would help Pakistan carve out a niche in the discerning Chinese market.
