Mr. Mamnoon Hussain
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Address on the Occasion of
“Mango Festival”
(Islamabad,August15, 2016)
“Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem”
- Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister for Commerce,
- Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for National Food Security & Research,
- Excellencies....and
- Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen,
Assalam-o-Alaikum!
I am pleased to participate in this august ceremony and exhibition on the occasion of Mango Festival organized by All Pakistan Fruits & Vegetables Exporters, Importers, Merchants Association (PFVA).
I am confident that this exhibition will be useful in introducing Pakistani mango,also recognized“King of Fruits” all over the world. I am hopeful that you will continue to hold such activities in future both within Pakistan and abroad for marketing Pakistani fruits and vegetables so thatnational income grows and your share in strengthening the country’s economy increases like other organizations.I am confident that that your efforts in this regard will bear fruit.
Ladies & Gentlemen!
The role of business community in economic progress of a country is very important. I am happy to note that your organization has become a bridge between growers and exporters of fruits and vegetables due to which this sector is progressing.The significance of professional organizations is that they become a source for coordination and provision of required facilities amongst all the stakeholders of a field. I am confident that if you continue to work with the same determination then you and your organization will gain more successes and yourpositive role in national economic progress will be commended.
Ladies & Gentlemen!
There was doubt that our mango exports may be adversely affected due to fast changing trends in international markets and hygiene related rules and regulations but it is a positive development that concerneddepartments safeguarded Pakistani mango from possible restrictions by timely remedial measures. Now it is need of the hour that exporters are kept abreast of hygiene rules prevalent in international markets regarding import of mangoes so that they are able to increase their exports by harmonising with modern requirements.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
The Government has accorded top priority to economic progress and in this regard is taking solid steps to provide conducive business environment which includes many measures like low mark-up rate by the State Bank and provision of loans on easy instalments. The government has added exports of fruits and vegetables in its Strategic Policy Framework to providefavourable conditions on permanent footing. I am hopeful that these measures will produce positive results. Furthermore, financial facilities are being extended on import and up-gradation of modern machinery. Likewise, decision has been made to set up Citrus Development Board to meet your longstanding demand so that there is lesser burden on the existing Horticulture Development Board and it could pay more attention on other fruits particularly mango.
Ladies & Gentlemen!
Pakistani mangois popular all over the world and in order to enhance its exports it should be patented to market its various varieties as a brand and those markets of Europe should be targeted where Pakistani mangocould be sold on higher price. It is therefore imperative that our exports meet international standards so that our growers and exporters could perform well.
Under the trade policy, the government is endeavoring to ink free and preferential trade agreements with various countries to increase access of localtraders to international markets. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is also working to increase the country’s exports byorganizingtrade exhibitions and exchange of delegations but getting the maximum results out of these efforts is only possible through collective struggle and harmony between growers and exporters. Therefore it is necessary that growers and exporters should improve cultivation of fruits and vegetables through training of their workers and application of modern technology so that after meeting the domestic needs maximum foreign exchange could be earned by exporting fruits and vegetables.
Ladies & Gentlemen!
As you are aware that economic policy of government plays a fundamental role in promoting business environment and strengthening the economy but this objective cannot be achieved without establishing peace and political stability. In this regard, under a comprehensive policy, actions against terrorism are underway in various parts of the country which are producing positive results. However, certain saddening and unfortunate events have occurred in Balochistan due to which the whole nation is in grief.But I reiterate that the terrorists cannot deter resolve of the nation through subversive activities and the whole nation will stand by law enforcement agencies in fighting the terrorists.
It must be kept in view that issues of lawlessness and terrorism cannot be resolved only through administrative measures and use of power but it requires comprehensive measures which include improvement in economy, provision of employment and justice, meaningful and uniform education system. In order to achieve these goals, complete harmony and close cooperation between the government and people is necessary. The purpose of this cooperation should be to uphold supremacy of the constitution because our survival depends upon this which can make usexcel in the comity of nations.
I am confident that your Association will continue to play its role in improving the economy and through your hard work you will also bring honour for your country.
May Allah protect us all! Ameen!
Pakistan Paindabad!
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