According to the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Brexit will have positive impacts on Pakistani horticultural exports to Europe and UK in the long-term due to less stringent phytosanitary norms.
FPCCI Regional Standing Committee Chairman Ahmad Jawad said those horticulture exporters that have already signed long-term contracts, may have to bear some losses or increased prices once Brexit is implemented. "We believe that the quarantine restrictions might liberalise for exports to UK. Now, UK will only have to consider its own quarantine concerns. Being a northern Europe country, we expect it to have fewer restrictions," he added.
Jawad said mangoes and fresh vegetables were one of the major shares of Pakistan in horticulture exports to UK and Pakistan may enhance the volumes through timely trade diplomacy with their authorities. Similarly, he added, there was a huge potential for halal meat and organic vegetables in UK, and luckily Pakistan has the required resources.
However, it is necessary to set up international accelerated quality examination labs in the country to explore the potential. The FPCCI standing committee chairman also demanded that Pakistan pursue a new course for trade and commerce with the UK on a priority basis. "We are expecting a package of free trade agreements (FTA) with the kingdom," he noted. "As Pakistan is a traditional trade partner of the UK, we want to enhance our exports by striking a comprehensive trade deal."
He lauded UK's rich expertise in agriculture sciences that provided specific insights and technologies in fields like crop genetics, sustainable pest and disease management, seed and plant sciences, composts and synthetic soils. He also suggested that Pakistan should try to lure British investors who are now looking for somewhere to invest in safely. In 2015, Pakistan and UK's bilateral trade stood at 2.06 billion euros. Pakistan's exports to the UK amounted to 1.355 billion euros while imports from UK amounted to 0.704 billion euros.
