Exports of mangoes to Pakistan have been delayed by the slow pace of the Kenyan government approving a memorandum of understanding agreed upon by the two countries. Pakistan High Commissioner to Kenya Saqlain Syedah said her country is ready to import Kenya’s mangoes throughout the year; this would offer a reprieve to farmers who have been struggling with overseas markets on account of restrictions.
Ms Syedah said Pakistan only produces the fruits three months in a year hence creating high demand for mango in the off-season: “We only have three months of mango production in Pakistan, Kenya can supply us throughout the year and this can be done as soon as the Department of Agriculture approves the MoU.”
Kenya’s mangoes have been restricted from accessing the European market due to high cases of fruit flies. The High Commissioner said the two MoUs on plant protection that started in 2016 on mango and citrus exports to Pakistan were finalised and are ready for signing if the Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture is in concurrence with it. Trade between Kenya and Pakistan has shown a steady growth, rising from $283 million (Sh31 billion) in 2008 to $705 million (Sh77.5 billion) in 2020.
Source: businessdailyafrica.com