PHDEC Hosts Seminar in Gilgit on Cherry Exports to China: A Landmark
Milestone and Future Strategies
Gilgit, 3rd October 2024 – The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export
Company (PHDEC), under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan,
successfully held a one-day seminar titled “Export of GB Cherries to China: Lessons
Learned, Future Strategies & PHDEC Project on Development of High-Demand
Cherry Varieties” at Avari Xpress Gilgit. The seminar, held on 3rd October 2024,
brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including farmers, exporters,
processors, researchers, representatives from academia, the Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, government departments, and business support
organizations from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
The event marked a historic achievement for Pakistan, celebrating the successful
export of the first-ever consignment of cherries from GB to China. The milestone,
seen as a breakthrough in the region’s horticultural sector, highlights the export
potential of GB cherries and sets the stage for future growth.
PHDEC’s CEO opened the event by welcoming participants and reaffirming PHDEC’s
unwavering commitment to supporting the horticulture sector in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He emphasized that following the success of the first cherry exports to China,
PHDEC is now embarking on a new project to develop high-demand cherry varieties
that will further enhance Pakistan’s position in the global market.
Presentations were made by key experts including Mr. Iqbal Hussain from the
Agriculture Department, Mr. Nazir Ali from the Trade Development Authority of
Pakistan (TDAP), and exporters Mr. Faisal Mir and Mr. Arman Shah, as well as
farmers’ representatives, Mr. Chirag and Usman. The discussions focused on the
success of the initial exports, lessons learned, and future strategies for scaling up
production and improving the supply chain.
Mr. Faisal Mir reflected on the lessons learned from the first export initiative,
expressing optimism that with continued dedication, GB could achieve an export
target of 100,000 tonnes of cherries by 2030. Mr. Arman Shah provided a detailed
overview of the cherry supply chain, while Mr. Nazir Ali highlighted the joint efforts
of PHDEC, TDAP, NLC, DPP, M/s Hashwan Traders, and local departments that
contributed to the success of the project.
Dr. Mubarak Ahmed, Consultant for the Agro Division at TDAP, shared his insights
on the export potential of GB cherries, noting the enthusiasm within the sector and
the commitment of various departments to support horticultural growth in the
region. Sector expert, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Ghazi, addressed the need for improved
coordination among departments to fully capitalize on GB’s cherry export
potential.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Brig (R) Saleem Mahmood of Green
Pakistan, who praised the agricultural heritage of GB, where nearly every
household owns fruit trees. He expressed confidence that with continued
dedication to agriculture, GB will achieve its goals and foster the prosperity
envisioned for the region.
A notable highlight of the event was the strong participation of women farmers,
processors, and traders, reflecting the inclusive nature of the horticulture sector in
GB.
The seminar not only celebrated the success of the cherry exports but also paved
the way for future collaborations and strategies to strengthen Pakistan’s
horticultural exports, particularly in high-demand international markets like China.
