First Batch of Fresh Pakistani Cherries Reaches China

According to a local news report, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan announced on June 6 that the first batch of fresh Pakistani cherries had been sent to China via a cold-chain container truck. Following this announcement, Chinese media reported that the initial consignment of 5.4 metric tons of cherries had successfully cleared customs at the Khunjerab Pass, the only land route between the two countries, and had subsequently been flown to Shanghai. Pakistan is scheduled to send another 12 metric tons of fresh cherries to China soon. This season’s exports to China are set to continue until the end of June to reach an estimated total of 260 metric tons.

Pakistani cherries gained China market access in 2022. Since then, the Pakistani government has been guiding farmers to adopt improved crop cultivation and management methods to increase yield and quality.

Owing to long hours of sunshine and large diurnal temperature variations, Pakistani cherries are known for their vibrant red color, plump size and very affordable prices. Under the free trade agreement between the two countries, Pakistani cherries are eligible for zero tariffs when exported to China. However, transportation limitations and a lack of suitable packaging plants and cold-chain facilities have made it challenging for Pakistan’s cherry growers and exporters to meet China’s cold treatment requirements, delaying exports to China.

Through joint efforts, over 100 cherry orchards and a cold storage and packaging plant located in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have now registered with China’s General Administration of Customs, meeting the basic conditions for exporting fresh cherries to China.

Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region produces approximately 5,000 metric tons of cherries each season, most of which are sold at low prices on the domestic market. With the help of the Gilgit-Baltistan Agricultural Extension Department, the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company has formulated a plan to increase the production of cherry varieties favored by Chinese consumers and assist more cherry farmers in improving their cultivation methods. The company also plans to establish processing and packaging plants at key hubs in the Gilgit-Baltistan region to promote Pakistani cherry exports.

Image: Pixabay

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.