Pakistani mangoes a 'star product' of bilateral ties

Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi called mangoes the "soulful culinary ambassadors" of his nation. He said they sustain farming communities while forging new connections with China through cold-chain technology and e-commerce.

When Pakistani mangoes meet Chinese e-commerce, both countries can compose a new chapter of inclusive growth, he noted, adding that the fusion of ancestral farming wisdom and modern technology can cultivate a sustainable golden harvest.

Long Yuxiang, chairman of the China International Cultural Communication Center, described Pakistani mangoes as a "star product" of bilateral trade, benefiting farmers and enriching the fruit choices of Chinese consumers.

He stressed that China-Pakistan friendship "is not the cause of one generation, but a mission to be passed down," and pledged to continue promoting cultural exchange. With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties approaching next year, he vowed to "bring more high-quality agricultural products from Pakistan to China."

Zhang Qingfeng, vice-president of the China Fruit Circulation Association, said China imported over 115,000 tons of Pakistani mangoes in 2023, worth $80 million. He credited advances in cold-chain logistics, preservation technology, and e-commerce platforms with boosting sales and quality.

Zhang outlined future cooperation priorities, including mutual quarantine standards, investment in mango industrial parks, and brand integration under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Quoting the Pakistani proverb "Sweet mangoes bring sweet relationships", Zhang noted that on Chinese social media, discussions about Pakistani mangoes have garnered over 500 million views, with numerous users calling for "labeling the origin and giving priority to purchase" to bolster the iron-clad bilateral friendship.