The Pakistani commerce ministry has established a Horticulture Export Board (HEB) for the improvement of horticulture, as well as helping to boost the exports of fruits, vegetable and flowers from Pakistan.

For a variety of reasons the board's inception had been delayed, even with presidential backing. Exporter Afaq Tiwana is to become chairman.

Other members of the board include the director general of the Export Promotion Bureau, the president and three other members of Pakistan's Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association.

Representation throughout the regions in the form of four growers (to be nominated by the four provincial governments) will also sit on the board.

The board will be instrumental in formulating and implementing horticultural policy as well as developing new marketing strategies. Public and private interaction will also be encouraged from the board.

Several benefits are likely to arise as a result of the initiative. The design and implementation of quality standards for exporters is seen as a bold step forward and one from which everyone involved will benefit.

The board also promises that it will facilitate the setting up of a cold chain network in Pakistan.

Topics