Pakistan to Export juicy Cherries to China by June

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is gearing up to enter the Chinese market with its luscious cherries as the harvesting season commences in the country.

In an exciting development, a delegation of 14 Chinese business representatives recently visited Gilgit-Baltistan and inked multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to facilitate cherry trade.

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During their visit, the delegation thoroughly assessed the local cherry production, inspecting orchards, packing units, and cold storage facilities. Their objective was to explore the potential of importing cherries from Gilgit-Baltistan into Chinese markets, as stated in an official announcement.

To bolster connectivity between Pakistan and China, both nations have also launched two new air cargo routes. These air routes will create a connection between Nanning, the bustling capital of China's autonomous Guangxi region, and the vibrant cities of Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan.

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These dedicated flights aim to streamline the transportation of Pakistani fruits and seafood to China while facilitating the delivery of Chinese clothing accessories and other goods from Nanning to the Pakistani market.

With China signaling its openness to importing cherries from Gilgit-Baltistan for the first time, cherry farmers anticipate a doubling of their incomes and profits. The region shares borders with China, making it an ideal trade partner, according to the aforementioned statement.

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Mohammad Ali Quaid, the special assistant to the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, emphasized that the crucial approval for the cherry exports will come from the Chinese quarantine department. A visit to Gilgit-Baltistan is being planned by the department to pave the way for the commencement of exports.

Once all the necessary procedures are met, cherries from Pakistan will be exported to China. According to the data provided by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), China has solidified its position as the global leader in cherry imports, with an impressive import value of $2.66 billion in the year 2021.

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In recent years, cherries have emerged as Gilgit-Baltistan's primary cash crop. The picturesque region yields approximately 8,000 metric tonnes of cherries annually, generating revenue of around Rs700 million, shared Javed Akhtar, deputy director at the agriculture department of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The cherry season in Gilgit-Baltistan stretches from May to July. Some of the cherry varieties cultivated in the region include Bing, Chelan, Rainier, Lepin, and Tulare, as highlighted in a government study.

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With a positive perspective, Hazif ur Rehman, the project director overseeing operations at Khashal Cherry Farm situated in the Ghanche district of Gilgit-Baltistan, expresses optimism regarding the potential market access to China. He believes it will be "much more beneficial for local farmers" owing to the region's proximity to the world's largest cherry market and the fruit's perishable nature. Apart from Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan province is also a major cherry-growing region in Pakistan.