KARACHI: Pakistan on Wednesday set this year’s export target of kinnow mandarin at 350,000 metric tons, with a third of it earmarked for the Middle East.
As the harvest season for the high-yield local mandarin variety started in December, Pakistan is expecting to generate some $210 million from its export. Last year, kinnow exports brought around $195 million in foreign exchange, according to data from the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA).
“Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar are major export destinations which are expected to absorb 30 percent, or 105,000 metric tons, of the total exports of kinnow,” Waheed Ahmed, patron-in-chief of PFVA, told Arab News.
Demand for Pakistani fruits has increased by 12.5 percent in fiscal year 2019-20, generating $730 million — the sector’s highest ever revenue generation in terms of foreign exchange. The PFVA chief attributed the rising demand, especially for citrus fruits, to the coronavirus pandemic. Rich in vitamin C, the fruits are believed to support the immune system.
Pakistan is the world’s largest kinnow producer, but its yield often suffers quality issues. While local fruit exporters estimate that domestic production of kinnow could reach even 2.1 million tons this year, only a portion of it will be of export quality.
“The total production of kinnow is around 2.1 million ton,” Ahmed said. “However, the production of quality exportable kinnow is far less, as out of total production 75 percent production consists of grade B and C quality that can’t be exported.”
The country’s kinnow industry is worth around Rs125 billion ($781 million) and the entire economy of Punjab’s key Bhalwal and Sargodha areas depends on kinnow cultivation. Some 250 kinnow processing facilities in the region provide direct employment to 250,000 people, according to PFVA data.
Third of Pakistan’s 2020 mandarin exports earmarked for the Middle East
https://arab.news/y4hrw
Third of Pakistan’s 2020 mandarin exports earmarked for the Middle East
- This year’s export target of kinnow mandarin set at 350,000 metric tons, some $210 million expected to be generated from export
- Rising demand for citrus fruits can be attributed to the coronavirus pandemic with the vitamin C-rich fruits believed to support the immune system
Karachi port sees rise in transshipment activity as Middle East tensions reshape shipping routes
- Two vessels dock simultaneously at Karachi terminals as regional cargo redistribution grows
- New feeder service has been launched to link Karachi with UAE hubs Fujairah and Khor Fakkan
KARACHI: Karachi Port is seeing increased transshipment activity and new feeder links to Gulf logistics hubs as shipping lines adjust regional routes amid tensions linked to the war involving Iran, port authorities said on Thursday.
Two vessels carrying transshipment cargo docked simultaneously at the port, according to a statement, highlighting its growing role in redistributing containers across Middle Eastern shipping routes.
The development comes as the conflict in the Middle East raises concerns about disruptions to critical energy and trade corridors.
The war has already pushed up oil and gas prices and heightened risks for shipping across Gulf waters, prompting logistics companies to reassess routes and rely more heavily on regional hubs outside potential conflict zones.
“The simultaneous handling of transshipment containers at Karachi Port highlights the port’s strong operational capacity, efficient port infrastructure, and strategic geographic advantage in supporting regional maritime logistics, container shipping operations, and uninterrupted international trade during ongoing disruptions in global shipping routes,” the official statement said.
“As transshipment cargo volumes continue to increase, Karachi Port is steadily strengthening its reputation as a key maritime logistics hub in South Asia and the Middle East regions, further reinforcing Pakistan’s role in international shipping and maritime connectivity,” it added.
FEEDER SERVICE
Separately, Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL) said a dedicated feeder service linking Karachi with the UAE ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan has begun operations, strengthening connectivity between Pakistan and key Gulf transshipment hubs.
The inaugural voyage of the service arrived at the terminal on the evening of March 11, marking the start of regular operations aimed at maintaining reliable links between Pakistani exporters and global shipping networks.
“The commencement of this feeder service reflects KGTL’s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime connectivity and supporting the country’s trading community,” Khurram Aziz Khan, KGTL chief executive officer, said in a statement.
“By linking Karachi directly with major UAE transshipment hubs, this service provides importers and exporters with reliable access to global shipping networks while reinforcing the role of Karachi Gateway Terminal as a key gateway for international trade,” he added.
Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral (r) Shahid Ahmed said stronger links with regional hubs would help facilitate smoother cargo movement.
“The introduction of this feeder service further enhances Karachi Port’s connectivity with key regional hubs and supports Pakistan’s growing trade requirements,” he said.
“Strengthening maritime links with the UAE will help facilitate smoother cargo movement while providing greater flexibility for the country’s trading community.”
