China allows import of Pakistani sweet cherries subject to phytosanitary requirements

According to Pakistani media reports, the Chinese market opened up for Pakistani exports of sweet cherries after the signing of a bilateral phytosanitary protocol last November and the reopening of the Khunjerab Pass in April. The pass, the only land route between the two countries, has been closed for almost three years due to the pandemic. The Chinese authorities have allowed the import of sweet cherries from Gilgit-Baltistan and other regions of Pakistan, EastFruit reports with reference to Fructidor.com. Before being exported to China, Pakistani cherries must be cold-processed at a specific temperature for a certain time, which is quite difficult for a perishable fruit. In addition, there is a shortage of fruit processing equipment in Gilgit-Baltistan. To address these issues, producers may need to change the varietal composition of sweet cherries or develop a long-term plan to improve infrastructure. Gilgit-Baltistan is the main cherry growing area in Pakistan. Despite the ...