TDAP organized Pakistan Mango Festival at the China Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo-2023 on 17th August 2023 in Urumqi, Xinjiang

August 19,2023

Ministry of Commerce through Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organized Pakistan Mango Festival at the China Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo-2023 on 17th August 2023 in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The Festival was jointly inaugurated by H.E. Erkin Tuniyaz, Governor of Xinjiang, Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan and Professor Ahsan Iqbal former Federal Minister. At the Festival, the Pakistani growers introduced a new variety of white Chaunsa at the Pakistan Pavilion.

Senator Mahmood-ul-Hassan shared with the audience that the “Mango diplomacy” has played a historical role in developing Pakistan-China relationship as during the 1960s Pakistan’s foreign Minister presented mangoes to Chairman Mao Zedong. He explained that the Pakistani mangoes are unique in their taste and aroma and are famous for their sweetness. He mentioned that Pakistan has introduced these mangoes to China after COVID-19 pandemic. He added that Pakistan is the 6th largest producer and 4th largest exporter of mangoes in the world. He invited Chinese experts and investment into food processing industry of Pakistan.  

Recalling All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China, Senator Mahmood underlined that the Xinjiang Province is strategically located and this region has remained an integral part of the ancient Silk Route. He underlined that this year’s Expo marked the 10th anniversary of President Xi’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship Project.

Governor Erkin Tuniyaz lauded the efforts of TDAP and Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing for organizing the Mango Festival. He expressed his appreciation for Pakistani mangoes and impressed upon business community to find additional avenues for economic activity. He also highlighted the historic and unprecedented cooperation between Pakistan and China and emphasized upon the need for greater economic integration. He acknowledged to support clearance of mangoes as well as other fresh fruits and vegetables through Tashgurkan and airports in Xinjiang particularly Urumqi Airport. He also agreed with a suggestion to send a business delegation from Xinjiang to visit Pakistan in the near future.

Professor Ahsan Iqbal, former Federal Minister lauded the efforts of the organizers for hosting the Festival which lent an opportunity to Pakistan to exhibit Pakistani mangoes. He further expressed the importance of CPEC under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.  He added that the CPEC has transformed Pakistan’s economy by providing the much-needed infrastructure and energy projects at the time when Pakistan needed them the most. He said that the 10th anniversary of CPEC is a hallmark occasion and this decade has laid foundation of the 2nd phase of high quality development of CPEC.

Pakistani mango experts explained the characteristics of White Chaunsa and presented a special platter and “Mango Lassi” to the Governor of Xinjiang and other senior officials. The Festival was attended by a large number of Chinese and other international businessmen. The Pakistan Pavilion also included a special booth for JD.com for promoting Pakistani mangoes and other products online. The exhibitors appreciated the efforts of TDAP and Embassy of Pakistan in holding this much needed event. The Embassy in Beijing has also organized b2b meetings of Pakistani enterprises with Chinese businessmen.

The Festival would continue till 21st August 2023.

Urumqi, Xinjiang

18 August 2023