Opportunities for joint ventures in horticultural sector
of Pakistan
The horticultural sector contributes about 12% to the
national agricultural GDP of Pakistan, and holds great potential for increasing
export of premium quality horticultural produce whilst offering multiple
employment opportunities throughout the supply chain, particularly in the rural
areas.
However, its growth and profitability is restrained mainly
by the lack of proper post harvest management and transport infrastructure. Out
of 14 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables produced annually, about 30% is
wasted whilst transferring between farms and consumers, while only 4% is
exported and that at a far lower price owing to poor produce quality and
therefore we rely on traditional low end markets.
Improvement of the post harvest management infrastructure
(grading, packing, storage and transport/cold-chain) will help reduce high
post-harvest losses, increase production surplus, improve
shelf life & quality of fresh produce, which will in turn help to stabilize
prices in domestic markets as well as to substantially boost export to highly
lucrative and competitive international markets.
Keeping in view the importance of the cold chain, a study
on “Establishment of Cold Chain System” under “National Trade Corridor
Improvement Project” was prepared by PHDEB. The project is estimated to cost
over Rs. 9 billion. PHDEB will be the executing agency of the project under
supervision of Ministry of Commerce.
The proposed project will have the following facilities:
a) Pack houses (including Cold Storages) = 39 Projects
b) Cold Stores / C A Stores = 23 Projects
c) Reefer Containers = 500
d) Testing Labs. = 6 NO
Opportunities exist for investors to work in partnership
with the government on a joint venture basis or on stand alone basis through
100% equity participation. This represents a unique opportunity to
participate in the horticultural sector of Pakistan
and the investor will have a strategic position within the market in Pakistan.
Click the following links to view pre-feasibility studies on the project:
- Horticulture Industry
- Export / Pack Houses
- Cold Storages and Controlled Atmosphere Storages
- Refrigerated Containers
Please feel free to contact for further information:
Shabir Riaz
Joint Investment Advisor
Board of Investment
Government of Pakistan
Tel: +92 (0) 51 921 1666
Fax: +92 (0) 51 920 7027
Mob:+92 (0) 30 1212 1212
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