The Diplomatic Business Club once again celebrated Pakistan’s pride, the king of fruits, at the 3rd Mango Festival and International Mango Conference on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Islamic Chamber of Commerce in Karachi.
The festival was vibrant with exhibits by Sindh Agriculture Research (Tandojam), Roshan Enterprises, Skillston Institute, and Rajjo Icecream. Fresh mango varieties such as White Chaunsa, Fajri, Anwar Rethol, Langra, Sindhri, Badam, Sadabahar, and more were showcased. Additionally, value-added products like mango juice, mango chutney, mango syrup, and delicious mango pastries, tarts, eclairs, and shakes were enjoyed by all.
The sponsors for the event were M/s Roshan Enterprises, Arif Habib Commodities, Karachi Cargo Services (Pvt) Ltd; Skillston Institute of Culinary Arts, Rajjo Ice Cream and Sindh Agriculture Research Deptt.
Following a brief networking session, participants gathered for the International Mango Conference.
The conference commenced with an opening speech by Ali Vazir, Secretary General of the Diplomatic Business Club. He shared the remarkable transformation of wastelands around the Reliance Refinery by Mukesh Ambani, which has made it Asia’s largest mango exporter. He emphasized that similar initiatives in Pakistan could reduce pollution, generate foreign exchange through exports, and help mitigate rising temperatures.
Mr. Kalim Farooqui, Patron-in-Chief of the Diplomatic Business Club, then recounted his experience of initiating mango exports to Japan while serving as Chairman of the Pak-Japan Business Forum. He praised Mr. Muhammad Umar Shah, Chairman of the Diplomatic Business Club, for establishing a unique platform for the business community since 2017, which has flourished into a robust network benefiting the corporate sector.
Mr. Christopher Rosenkrans, CEO of Blue Orange LLC from Japan, spoke on “Elevating & Branding Pakistani Fruits in Japan and the USA.” Having visited Pakistan twice, he highlighted that Pakistani horticultural products are among the best globally and can earn significant foreign exchange through targeted and professional branding. He offered his services to collaborate with the Pakistani agricultural and business community to enhance exports and food security.
Next, Mr. Mahmood Nawaz Shah, President of the Sindh Abadgar Board, addressed “Mango Export Opportunities & Challenges.” He stressed the need for Pakistani exporters to penetrate European supermarket chains, a market currently untapped by Pakistani mangoes and other horticultural products.
Mr. Mohsin Abbas Dharsi, former Chairman of the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan, discussed “Mango Exports from Pakistan & Role of Air Cargo Services.” He called for better collaboration between farmers, exporters, and regulatory agencies to streamline the supply chain and secure a larger share in global trade.
Mr. Anas Sheikh, Agribusiness Specialist of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development, spoke on “Opportunities for Economic Growth – Value Addition of Mangoes.”
Dr Rudiger Lotz, Consul General of Germany spoke briefly. He shared his love for the Pakistani mangoes that makes him wait for the summers desperately. He shared the potential for mangoes in Germany that is one of the biggest importers of Mango in the world.
The Chief Guest, Mr. M. Zubair Motiwala, Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), highlighted TDAP’s efforts in promoting Pakistani agricultural products, including mangoes, worldwide. He noted that Pakistan’s mango exports have tripled in the last seven years, making it the world’s 4th largest mango exporter. He also mentioned Pakistan’s achievements in sesame seed production and exports. Mr. Motiwala invited guests to the upcoming 2nd FoodAg Expo organized by TDAP from August 9-11 at the Karachi Expo Center, which showcases Pakistani food and agricultural products to the global market.
Mr. Zeeshan Altaf Lohya, Patron of the Diplomatic Business Club, concluded the event with a vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to Mr. Motiwala, the speakers, diplomats, and other dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Rudiger Lotz (CG of Germany), Mr. Yasushi Nakagawa (Acting CG of Japan), Wimal Miniruwan (Dy CG of Sri Lanka), Mr. Demitry (Commercial Attache of Russia), Mr. Nemati (Commercial Attache of Iran). Also present were the Patrons of the Diplomatic Business Club Mr Fayyaz Falaknaz, Ahsan Mehanti and Asif Sumsum (Chairman of ABAD). Other present were Mirza Ikhtiar Baig (Hon CG of Yemen), Mirza Ishtiaq Baig (Hon CG of Morocco), Sohail Shamim Firpo, A. Rashid Godil (Former MNA), Noor Muhammad Baloch (Dir Gen of Sindh Agri Research Tandojam), M. Shoaib Khan, Mrs Noreen Khan, Mahmood Khan (CEO of Star Marketing), Khalid Ejaz Qureshi, Afifa Ejaz, Comm. Shaikh (progressive farmer from Tando A.Yar), Wing Comm Shahid Salim, Atif Hanif (President of Albaraka I. Bank), Atif Iqbal, Asad Fecto, Muhammad Ibrahim, M. Faheem Khan, Muhammad Ali, Dr Aftab Imam, Saajid Thepdawala, Wasim Vohra and others.
Mr. Muhammad Umar Shah, Ali Vazir and the Patrons of the Club presented bouquets and gifts that were sponsored by Polani Textile to Mr. M. Zubair Motiwala and Dr. Rudiger Lotz. After group photographs, guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner featuring barbecue starters, chicken shashlik with rice, roasted chicken, and a delicious kheer (pudding) for dessert.
The event concluded with each participant receiving a box of export-quality mangoes from Roshan Enterprises.
