Pakistani officials have estimated mango shipments to China could put as much as US$25m in the nation's coffers each year, The News has reported.
'The mango expo in Guangzhou, China, received an overwhelming response,' said Waheed Ahmed, chairman of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association. 'This season we are all set to export nearly 200 tonnes of mangoes to China.'
Mr Ahmed said the mango show, beginning on 17 June and originally scheduled to end on 22 June, would be extended for another fortnight, such had been the success of the campaign.
The Sindhri, Chonsa and Sunera mango varieties are on display at the expo, and the taste has proven a hit with Chinese consumers.
'The taste of our mangoes compelled people in China to ask for it. Otherwise, the country itself cultivates the fruit,' said Mr Ahmed.
Dubai, Iran and Saudi Arabia are the top three destinations for Pakistani mangoes, taking over 70 per cent of supply, and Mr Ahmed believes China could join that group, in light of the Free Trade Agreement between the two nations.
Pakistan exported 130,000 tonnes of mangoes worth US$41m last year, and exports this season could total as much as US$50m.
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