TDAP stresses exploring UAE market to export fresh fruits, vegetables

Pakistani businessmen have huge cushion to penetrate the UAE markets with specific reference to export of fresh fruits and vegetables.

In order to fortify the export sector, the government has taken tangible measures to address the concerns and issues of exporters.

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Director General Mian Riaz Ahmed stated this while addressing a seminar on exports of fresh fruits and vegetables held under the aegis of the TDAP at a local hotel here on Thursday.

The DG further apprised the participants that under the umbrella of emerging Pakistan, the purpose of the seminar was to provide information and impart training to exporters about the standards, packaging and health requirements and promotion of Pakistani products in the UAE.

"As part of the business plan for emerging Pakistan and to capture more international markets, the government has made efforts to establish infrastructural facilities like cool chain system, reefer transport facilities, cold atmosphere (CA) stores and common facility centers in all major growing areas to increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables," the DG said and hoped that exporters would fully benefit from the opportunity and gain knowledge from the activity.

Guest speakers at the seminar Safwan Abdullah Ishaq, Principal Food Trade Hygiene Officer Food Safety Department, Dubai while delivering his presentation said that their objective was to ensure food safety and quality, protecting public health by reducing the risk of food borne illnesses and reduction of non-confirmed foods, according to APP.

He said that the businessmen exporting goods to the UAE need to comply with health certification requirements of the Emirates. He also apprised the participants about the statistics of fresh fruits, exported to Dubai.

The other guest speaker, Nehad Yassin Alajwah, Senior Hygiene Food Officer, also apprised the participants about the rules and procedures regarding export of fruits and vegetables to the UAE. They also reiterated that Pak-UAE enjoys trade relations spanned over decades and there is a need to cater to each other's markets in line with the global market trends.

The USAID-AMD also collaborated and appreciated in organizing this seminar. A large number of participants attended the seminar. Later, question answer session was held.