Tokyo: Following first ever private sector to private sector mango export breakthrough in 2013, for the first time Pakistani mangoes are being sold by the largest high street retailer in Japan, AEON Corporation, a US $ 57 billion company.
This major breakthrough came in the form of a soft launch at the brand new AEON Makuhari Mall, one of the largest in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. To celebrate this achievement customers at the Mall were served with fresh mango slices, which proved to be extremely popular. Speaking to the Media in the Mall the Ambassador said that the sweetness and richness was not confined just to the delicious mango but included many other fruits and vegetables from Pakistan. Pakistan's blessed soil and climate was able to produce a wondrous array of fruits, in case of the mango for a period of approximately five months. Meeting global standards the Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan’s orchards were Global GAP certified. The Ambassador stressed the persistent efforts of the Commercial Section to promote Pakistani fruits and vegetables in the Japanese market and its constant direct liaison with AEON Corporation had led to this landmark achievement. The Ambassador underscored that mangoes would be the thin-end-of-the-wedge to introduce Pakistani produce to the Japanese consumers. He thanked AEON, a household name in Japan, for partnering with Pakistan.
Joining the Ambassador and the Chairman FFC on the merchandize sales display, Chairman AEON Board Mr. Hiroshi Yokoo welcomed the Ambassador and his team for the support to organize to make this inaugural event possible. He underscored his full confidence on the GAP certified mango exporters from Pakistan, especially companies like FFC Pakistan. Agreeing with Ambassador the Chairman expressed the hope that more agricultural products would be introduced by AEON in due course of time and appreciated the idea of 'AEON Farms' in collaboration with FFC Pakistan as dedicated farms of produce for the Japanese market.
Chairman FFC, Joint Chief Executive and Managing Director Lt. Gen. Retd. Naeem Khalid Lohdi, an important partner in helping to realize the breakthrough, highlighted that Pakistan would be able to meet the Japanese demand and expand into new areas with further market research, development and coordination.
The Ambassador also noted that whilst the business aspect of the mango was important, the trade had broader relevance. He said that cuisine and exchange of agricultural products increased awareness between countries and built bridges of friendship.
