Iran prepares to send inspectors to Pakistan’s mango facilities — Dawn
Iran is preparing to send two members of an inspection team to Pakistan to inspect newly established hot water mango treatment facilities. The inspection could pave the way for the approval of additional facilities and help Pakistan restore exports to an important regional market, Dawn reports.
The visit is expected soon after several months of correspondence between Iranian authorities, Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection, and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. It will be the first inspection of Pakistani facilities of this type by the Iranian side in about three years.
Inspection of phytosanitary requirements
The Iranian team will assess the infrastructure of the new facilities, treatment procedures, and compliance with phytosanitary requirements for mango exports to Iran. At present, shipments depend on a limited number of approved facilities. Authorization for new capacity could increase fruit treatment volumes and reduce exporters’ dependence on existing plants.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
According to industry sources, Pakistan may export about 30,000 tonnes of mangoes to Iran this year, compared with more than 60,000 tonnes in previous seasons. Exporters believe that approving additional facilities could help recover part of the lost market.
An important land route
Iran has traditionally been an important market for Pakistani mangoes due to its geographical proximity. It is the only major export destination to which fruit shipments are delivered by land. Pakistan supplies mangoes to the Gulf countries by air and sea, and to Europe only by air.
Abdul Waheed, head of the Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, warned that new cases of shipment detentions or non-compliance with phytosanitary requirements could undermine confidence in Pakistan’s export control system. At the same time, he noted that if new facilities are approved and standards are strictly observed, opportunities to restore exports remain significant.
