Abdul Razaaq Dawood advisor to the Prime Minister requested the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry to find out ways to promote Horticulture, Fruits and Vegetable Sector of Pakistan. During his visit to the FPCCI he informed that the Prime Minister of Pakistan is visiting China and the FPCCI proposed some measures for market access of fruits and vegetables to China.
Mr. Abdul Waheed, Vice President FPCCI and Patron In-chief of PFVA has prepared a comprehensive document of proposal on fruit and vegetable sector and has submitted to the Advisor of the Prime Minister for onward discussion by the Prime Minister during his visit to China.
According to the Vice President there exist bright chances for betterment of the Horticulture trade between the two countries under Belt and Road Initiative. He stated that Pakistan can export Fruits, Vegetables, and Value added products worth of US$ 1 Billion. A proposal of Research Labs has been prepared under Chinese assistance. The development of this proposal will help technology transfer from China to Pakistan.
Similarly supporting establishment and follow-on activities of one Belt one route scheme & Road Plant Protection International Consortium (PPIC), it has been emphasized to make Pakistan as part of International Executive Committee, International Advisory Committee and International Scientific Committee. 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 expertise of Chinese in the Agriculture sector it has been proposed to enhance opportunities by awarding scholarships to the talented Pakistani students for research and higher education in China and exchange scientists and other experts.
He further said that the joint collaboration of Private sectors of both the countries the treatment of Agri-related diseases has been emphasized by the FPCCI. It has also been suggested to provide Quarantine facilities set ups in the special economic zones to enhance horticulture trade with China.
Suggestion has also been given to inculcate awareness among Pakistani exporters about Chinese quarantine regulations and export model, special programmes shall be conducted. 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$.
Proposal to grant visa to Pakistani Businessmen on arrival to China has also been given. To minimize wastage of water in the Agriculture sector, assistance from China for effective use of modern techniques has been suggested which includes “drip irrigation technology”, being one of the best method in practice. The FPCCI has proposed that entry points of Pakistani Agri Product should be allowed to all entry ports in China via land and sea routes.
Mr. Waheed Ahmed, Vice President FPCCI ensures full cooperation in the largest interest of country to up enhance socio-economic prosperity.