KARACHI: The Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) has facilitated Chinese approval for seven additional mango processing and hot water treatment facilities, a statement said on Wednesday.
This marks the first expansion of the country’s authorised mango export infrastructure in China in more than a decade, the PHDEC said.The approvals, granted by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), increase the number of Pakistani facilities registered to export mangoes to China to 32 from 25 previously, the PHDEC said.
The last registration of Pakistani mango processing facilities with Chinese authorities took place in 2015.The PHDEC said it facilitated the approvals through engagement with GACC, in coordination with the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and Pakistan’s trade mission in Beijing. The process involved addressing regulatory requirements and providing technical support to applicant facilities.
The registrations come as Pakistan’s mango export season begins and exporters seek to expand sales in overseas markets. China is among the world’s largest fruit importers and represents a key growth market for Pakistani mango exporters.
Alongside efforts to improve market access, the PHDEC said it has continued to implement initiatives aimed at enhancing export quality standards.One such programme is its mango bagging initiative, launched in 2023, which aims to improve fruit quality by protecting mangoes from pests, dust and environmental damage. The company said the programme has expanded this season, with growers and industry stakeholders using around 10 million mango bags across major producing regions.
The PHDEC said the initiative has helped improve the appearance and quality of export-grade mangoes, supporting compliance with the standards required in premium international markets, including China.
The agency said the registration of additional facilities, coupled with quality improvement measures, is expected to create new opportunities for growers, processors and exporters while supporting growth in horticulture exports.
