pfva

My interview on Hum news

#WATCH: Rising temperatures, higher transport costs and regional tensions are impacting Pakistan’s mango season, with export targets cut by around 30,000 tonnes compared to last year. arab.news/p7egg

#WIONBusinessInsights | Pakistan mango exports hit by Iran crisis; exports seen falling 30% this year Freight costs jump 5-fold for mango exporters @eriknjoka has more

Agriculture Ignored in Federal Budget, Export Measures Insufficient Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporter Association (PFVA), Waheed Ahmed, has expressed serious concern over the Federal Budget 2026–27, stating that the agriculture sector—despite facing significant challenges—has largely been overlooked. He noted that while the government has reduced minimum tax and advance tax on exports to improve competitiveness, the decision to not fully abolish these taxes remains disappointing for exporters. Waheed Ahmed appreciated the allocation of Rs 88 billion under the Export Refinance Scheme, terming it a positive step that will enable exporters to access financing at lower costs. He also welcomed the allocation of Rs 1 billion for development funding, highlighting that it reflects an increase compared to the previous year. Commenting on taxation measures, he welcomed the abolition of super tax on income between Rs 150 million and Rs 500 million. However, he emphasized that for income above Rs 500 million, the tax has only been reduced rather than completely eliminated, which falls short of industry expectations. He further expressed concern that exports have not been included in the fixed tax regime. Highlighting the ongoing energy crisis, he pointed out that the budget fails to provide any incentives for the promotion of alternative energy, which is critical for reducing production costs and improving competitiveness. He urged the government to take immediate and practical steps to address the challenges faced by the agriculture and export sectors, particularly horticulture, in order to fully realize Pakistan’s export potential.

In the Budget 2026–27, All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters Association Patron in chief, Waheed Ahmed, presented strategic recommendations for the fruit and vegetable sector, with a strong focus on promoting value addition and enhancing export potential.

#WATCH: Pakistan’s mango exporters cut this year’s export target by 30% citing conflict-related disruptions across the Middle East and climate-related crop losses. arab.news/nxvkk

_Middle East Crisis Casts Shadow Over Pakistan’s Mango Exports; Export Target Slashed by 30,000 Tons_ KARACHI: Pakistan’s mango export season is set to begin on June 1 under mounting pressure from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, soaring freight costs, climate-related challenges and declining fruit yields, prompting exporters to cut this year’s export target by nearly 30 percent. The first shipment of Pakistani mangoes is scheduled to leave for international markets today, but industry stakeholders fear one of the most difficult export seasons in recent years. According to Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), exporters are grappling with unprecedented logistical and financial hurdles as regional instability disrupts access to key Gulf markets, the largest destination for Pakistani mangoes. “In view of the extraordinary challenges facing the trade, the export target has been reduced to 80,000 tons from last year’s 110,000 tons,” Ahmed said. The decline is expected to significantly impact export earnings. Pakistan generated around $110 million from mango exports last season, but revenues this year are projected to fall to between $75 million and $80 million. The Gulf region, which absorbs nearly 35 percent of Pakistan’s mango exports, is expected to be among the hardest-hit markets due to the fallout from escalating tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East. The crisis has triggered a dramatic surge in transportation costs, squeezing exporters already struggling with higher production expenses. Sea freight charges to Gulf destinations have jumped from $1,200-$1,400 per container last season to as much as $6,000-$7,000 this year. Air freight rates have also more than doubled, climbing from 70-90 cents per kilogram to nearly $2 per kilogram. The burden is further compounded by rising domestic fuel prices, which have increased transportation costs from orchards to packing facilities and ports. Ahmed noted that a relatively stronger Pakistani rupee has created an additional challenge for exporters. While operating costs continue to rise, export returns in local currency terms have declined, putting further pressure on profitability. Despite the difficult environment, PFVA remains determined to protect Pakistan’s presence in both traditional and emerging export markets. The association also expressed concern over the closure of trade routes through Afghanistan, warning that exports to Afghanistan and Central Asian states could suffer. However, Ahmed said exports to Iran may increase if both countries improve coordination on quarantine procedures and harmonize regulatory requirements. He praised the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of National Food Security for resisting pressure from vested interests seeking an earlier export season. By maintaining the June 1 start date, the government has ensured that Pakistani mangoes will reach international buyers fully matured, preserving the fruit’s renowned taste, aroma and quality. Beyond trade-related challenges, Ahmed highlighted deeper structural issues facing the mango industry. Climate change, erratic weather patterns and the weak disease resistance of existing orchards have steadily eroded production over the past five years. This year’s mango crop is expected to be around 20 percent lower than the country’s average annual production of 1.9 million tons, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the sector. Calling for urgent action, Ahmed urged the government to invest in research and development, improve orchard management practices, and support quality enhancement initiatives. He stressed that Pakistan has the potential to substantially increase mango exports if fruit quality is upgraded and growers receive better technical guidance.1/2

As we celebrate. let us also appreciate the hard work and dedication of our Farmers and Growers who contribute to Pakistan's thriving Agriculture and Horticulture sector. Wishing everyone in the Fruit and Vegetable Industry, and beyond, Eld Mubarak'

Represented my company and Pakistan at the SIAL Shanghai 2026 successfully. Now heading towards Hangzhou to attend Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference (Hangzhou) on 24 May 2026. #china #pakistan

وفاقی وزارت تجارت نے ایران اور ایران کے زمینی راستے سے وسط ایشیائی ریاستوں کو آم کی برآمدات کے لیے فنانشل انسٹرومنٹ کی شرط سے چار ماہ کے لیے استثنیٰ دے دیا ہے، جس کا مقصد پاکستانی آم کی برآمدات کو فروغ دینا اور علاقائی منڈیوں تک رسائی کو آسان بنانا ہے۔ وزارت تجارت کی جانب سے جاری نوٹیفکیشن کے مطابق یہ استثنیٰ یکم جون 2026 سے 30 ستمبر 2026 تک مؤثر رہے گا۔ اس فیصلے کے تحت ایران اور ایران کے زمینی راستے سے سی آئی ایس ممالک کو آم کی برآمدات کے لیے اسٹیٹ بینک کے فارن ایکسچینج قواعد کے تحت درکار فنانشل انسٹرومنٹ کی شرط لاگو نہیں ہوگی۔ پاکستان فروٹ اینڈ ویجیٹبل ایکسپورٹرز، امپورٹرز اینڈ مرچنٹس ایسوسی ایشن (PFVA) کے سرپرست اعلیٰ وحید احمد نے وفاقی وزارت تجارت کے اس اقدام کا خیر مقدم کرتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ وزارت نے بروقت یہ سہولت فراہم کی ہے کیونکہ آم کی برآمدات کا سیزن یکم جون سے شروع ہو رہا ہے۔ وحید احمد کے مطابق اس سہولت سے پاکستان سے ایران اور ایران کے راستے وسط ایشیائی ریاستوں کو پاکستانی آم کی برآمدات میں نمایاں معاونت ملے گی۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ اس سیزن میں مڈل ایسٹ اور خلیجی ریاستوں کو آم کی برآمدات کو خطے میں پائی جانے والی کشیدگی کے باعث مختلف چیلنجز کا سامنا ہے، جن میں فریٹ چارجز میں کئی گنا اضافہ اور پروازوں میں تعطل شامل ہیں۔ انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ ایران اور ایران کے راستے برآمدات کے لیے فنانشل انسٹرومنٹ سے استثنیٰ ایرانی مارکیٹ میں پاکستانی آم کی برآمدات بڑھانے میں مددگار ثابت ہوگا، جس سے خلیجی منڈیوں سے آنے والی ممکنہ کمی کو متوازن کرنے میں بھی مدد ملے گی۔ وحید احمد نے کہا کہ رواں سال پی ایف وی اے وزارت تجارت کے تعاون سے وسط ایشیائی ریاستوں میں پاکستانی آم کے روڈ شوز بھی منعقد کرے گی تاکہ ان نئی منڈیوں میں پاکستانی آم کی طلب اور برآمدات کو مزید فروغ دیا جا سکے۔

The Ministry of Commerce has granted a four-month exemption from the financial instrument requirement for mango exports to Iran and to Central Asian states via Iran, with the aim of promoting Pakistani mango exports and facilitating access to regional markets. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce, this exemption will be effective from June 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. Under this decision, the requirement for a financial instrument under the State Bank’s foreign exchange rules will not apply to mango exports to Iran and to CIS countries via Iran. *Waheed Ahmed*, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), welcomed the federal Ministry of Commerce’s move, stating that the ministry had provided this facility in a timely manner as the mango export season begins on June 1. According to Waheed Ahmed, this facility will significantly support Pakistani mango exports to Iran and to Central Asian states via Iran. He said that this season, mango exports to the Middle East and Gulf states are facing various challenges due to regional tensions, including a several-fold increase in freight charges and flight disruptions. He added that the exemption from the financial instrument requirement for exports via Iran will help increase Pakistani mango exports to the Iranian market, which will also help offset any potential decline from Gulf markets. Waheed Ahmed said that this year PFVA, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, will also hold roadshows for Pakistani mangoes in Central Asian states to further promote demand and exports of Pakistani mangoes in these new markets.

Glimpses of a meeting on export of mango held in the PFVA office on 13th May 2026 .

A meeting was held today at the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association office between a delegation of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry led by SM Tanveer, Patron-in-Chief of UBG , and the PFVA team headed by Waheed Ahmed ,Patron-in-Chief PFVA

I appeared live on BOL News to discuss mango exports. youtu.be/6ZBm21Ua-BE?si…

@waheedAmed Happy birthday

A truly memorable surprise awaited me as I entered the room—a beautifully arranged birthday cake to celebrate my special day. This thoughtful gesture made the occasion even more meaningful. My sincere thanks to the hotel management for their exceptional hospitality, warmth, and kindness. Missing my family, but feeling grateful for the love and care that made the day special.