UAE markets ripe for fruits, vegetables: TDAP

LAHORE: Mian Riaz Ahmed, Director General, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), of Thursday said Pakistani products especially fresh fruits and vegetables have the huge potential to penetrate the UAE markets.

“In order to boost the export sector, the government has taken tangible measures to address the concerns and issues of the exporters,” said Ahmed addressing a seminar on the exports of fresh fruits and vegetables organized by the TDAP.

“As part of business plan for emerging Pakistan and to capture more international markets, efforts have been made to establish infrastructure facilities like cool chain system, reefer transport facilities, cold atmosphere (CA) stores, and common facility centers in all major growing areas to increase the shelf life of fruits/vegetables.”

The DG said under the umbrella of emerging Pakistan as envisioned by commerce ministry, this session was aimed at providing information and impart training to our exporters about the standards, packaging and health requirements and promotion of Pakistani products in the UAE.

In his presentation, Safwan Abdulla Ishaq, principal food trade hygiene officer food safety department Dubai, said their objective was to assure food safety and quality protecting public health by reducing the risk of foodborne diseases and reduction of nonconforming foods. “The exporters exporting to the UAE need to comply with health certification requirements of the Emirates,” Ishaq said.