Japan has lifted a 16-year ban on Pakistani mangoes provided they undergo Vapour Heat Treatment before they are exported.

According to a report in Pakistani newspaper the News, the Japanese ministry of food and agriculture announced the decision recently.

The Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) plant, which will be used to eradicate fruit fly, was given to the country by Japan.

Harvest Trading chief executive officer Ahmad Jawad told the newspaper VHT treatment would begin once Japanese officials had inspected the facility.

“Japanese inspectors will arrive to inspect and test the facility before we can export mangoes to Japan. They will investigate and give proper recommendations,” he said.

Pakistan will be taking a measured approach to mango exports and the first consignments will be sent to the commercial department of the Pakistan embassy in Japan, which will look after marketing and distribution.

The department will then conduct a feasibility study that will be used to determine what varieties are best suited to exporting to Japan and the volume of mangoes the market will be able to take.

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