Indonesia Lifts 35% Duty on Pakistan Kinnow Imports

Under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan, Indonesia has decided to lift 35 percent duty on Kinnow (The kinnow is a variety of citrus fruit cultivated extensively in India and Pakistani Punjab Province.) imported from the country, which is likely to give great boost to export of citrus fruit from Pakistan.

The move is likely to herald a great opening for the most desired Pakistani fruit of the winter season in the far Eastern region having vast potential for Pakistani fruits.

This was announced by former Chairman of All Pakistan Vegetable and Fruit Exporter Association and its current spokesman, Abdul Wahid talking to newsmen in Karachi.

It may be recalled here that Kinnow exporters are looking forward for improved exports of the citrus fruit during the current year following news of bumper crop of 2.5 million tonnes in citrus growing areas of the country as they are optimistic of accomplishing export target of around 0.3 million tonnes during the upcoming session.

Wahid said that the 35 percent import duty barrier which was removed following a meeting between commerce secretaries of both countries and which had hindered smooth process of export from Pakistan, may provide a great impetus to exporters to accrue benefit from the decision.

Pakistan can export up to 35 to 40 thousand tones of the citrus fruit to Indonesia during the kinnow season, which usually kicks off from December and continues until the month of April-May.

He hoped that other countries of the Far Eastern region would emulate Indonesia as Pakistani exporters have undertaken extensive marketing efforts to boost export of citrus fruit, which is considered as major source of revenue generation for the country.

Former chairman of the association claimed that kinnow crop, despite heavy rains, remained unaffected which has evoked hope for realization of far improved export goals for the current season which may also spell heavy financial rewards for all stake holders.

The traditional buyers of Pakistani kinnow includes the Middle Eastern countries, Iran, Bangladesh, Eastern Europe, Russia and Ukraine, while Indonesia and Malaysia have recently emerged as strong buyers of local kinnows on account of its flavour and unmatched taste.

He further said that during the upcoming season sustain efforts by the exporters may also help further boost kinnow export to European countries including Holland, Russia and Ukraine regarded as financially rewarding market for Pakistani fruits.

Importers from European countries usually prefer smaller size of the Pakistani kinnow unlike the bigger one exported to the Gulf countries.

Replying to a query, he said over a period of time Russia and Ukraine have emerged as leading importers of Pakistani kinnow as the total export to both countries now contributes almost half of Pakistan's total export and there are strong likelihood that export volumes may further increase during the upcoming season.