Pakistan flag

Pakistan began exporting mangoes to South Korea for the first time yesterday (11 June), reports Pakistan's The News.

Sohail Nisar, Pakistan-Korea Business Councilchairmantold the paper that Pakistan had received a 200-tonne export order from South Korea, adding that the consignment represented the first ever mango shipment from Pakistan to South Korea.

'Lotte Group, the South Korean industrial conglomerate, has also expressed its interest to import 100 tonnes of mangoes from Pakistan,' he said. Pakistani companies are also in contact with Korea's Emart group, he said.

“Korea represents a 10,000 to 20,000-tonne market of mangoes for Pakistan,” said Sohail, adding that tireless efforts by the Pakistani government had led to the finalisation of a deal to export mangoes to Korea.

Around 300kg of mangoes were shipped to Korea last year for testing and trials. “Korea found the Pakistani mango delicious, while its aroma and quality also convinced Korea to import the fruit from Pakistan,” Sohail told The News.

Pakistan will send its last consignment to South Korea on 5 August, he added.