FPCCI submits proposals to enhance horticulture trade

November 1, 2018 (MLN): The Vice President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), and Patron-in-Chief of All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Association (PFVA), Waheed Ahmed has sent a comprehensive proposal to Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood, for strengthening horticulture trade between Pakistan & China.

Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood who is an advisor to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs, Commerce, Industry and Investment, had previously requested the FPCCI to submit suggestions for the development of horticulture sector, and an easy access of Pakistani fruits and vegetables to Chinese markets.

The Prime Minister, during his visit to China from 2nd November, will discuss these proposals with the concerned Chinese authorities and steps will be initiated to uplift the horticulture sector In light of these suggestions.

According to Waheed Ahmed, availing the opportunity of “one belt one route” scheme under CPEC, export of Pakistani fruits, vegetables & value-added products can be enhanced to $1 billion.

Mr. Waheed Ahmed’s proposal includes enhancement of Research & Development (R&D) within the Agriculture sector of Pakistan, with the assistance of China. This aims at establishment of one R&D lab each, on Federal level as well in all provinces. Through this, Chinese Research and technology in the field of Agriculture could be shared with Pakistan.

He has also suggested that the two economies should implement the agreements carried out under the ‘one belt one route’, scheme for development and research in the Agriculture sector, among the Ministry of National food & Security, Plant protection department of China & CABI, an instrumental agri-research based organization.

For betterment of Agriculture, both the countries have been advised for joint efforts to procure funds from regional & International resources for the collaborative projects.

To avail Chinese expertise in the Agricultural sector, it has been proposed to enhance opportunities by awarding scholarships to Pakistani students, for research and higher education in China and exchange scientists and other experts.

To ensure speedy clearance of trade cargo at Pakistani sea ports, assistance from the Chinese authorities has been sought so that the perishable cargo can effectively be transferred with minimal delay being sensitive to time and temperature, from the sea ports to the vessels and Godowns. It has been suggested to have Trade in Chinese Currency even in Regional Trade to decrease dependence on US dollars.

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