By Shafqat Ali   

 

GILGIT, Oct. 4 (Gwadar Pro)- The Pakistan Horticultural Development & Export Company (PHDEC) under the Ministry of Commerce held a seminar titled "Export of GB Cherries to China: Lessons Learned, Future Strategies & PHDEC Project on Development of High-Demand Cherry Varieties" on Thursday afternoon.

 

The seminar brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including farmers, exporters, processors, researchers, representatives from academia, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, government departments, and business support organizations from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

 

The event marked a historic achievement for Pakistan, celebrating the successful export of the first-ever consignment of cherries from GB to China. The milestone seen as a breakthrough in the region’s horticultural sector, highlights the export potential of GB cherries and sets the stage for future growth.

 

PHDEC’s CEO opened the event by welcoming participants and reaffirming PHDEC’s unwavering commitment to supporting the horticulture sector in Gilgit-Baltistan.

 

He emphasized that following the success of the first cherry exports to China PHDEC is now embarking on a new project to develop high-demand cherry varieties that will further enhance Pakistan’s position in the global market.

 

Presentations were made by key experts including Mr. Iqbal Hussain from the Agriculture Department, Mr. Nazir Ali from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and exporters Faisal Mir and Arman Shah as well as farmers’ representatives, Chirag and Usman. The discussions focused on the success of the initial exports, lessons learned and future strategies for scaling up production and improving the supply chain.

 

This article originally appeared on Gwadar Pro.