Pakistan gained market access for fresh cherry exports to the lucrative China market. this follows after the Pakistani Prime Minister Shabaz's visit to China where the protocol was signed granting the much needed access.
The Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives of Pakistan stated that cherries are mainly produced in the regions of Baluchistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. The regions have 2 500 hectares yielding 6 000 tons with 10% of these cherries available for export with a total worth of about $1.77 million.
Under the new Protocol the cherries from Pakistan can be sent via airfreight with zero tariffs. The orchards, packhouses and facilities must still be reviewed and filed by Pakistan. After this China's GACC will register and approve the list.