Mango festival aims to deepen trade, cultural ties with Tehran: Pakistani envoy
Pakistan's ambassador to Tehran said a mango festival hosted by the country's embassy was intended to strengthen friendship, expand economic ties and create new opportunities for cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui said at the event on Saturday that the celebration was about much more than enjoying an extraordinary fruit and organized to build bridges of friendship, strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities for cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, ISNA reported.
The Pakistan Mango Festival, hosted by the embassy in Tehran on Saturday, brought together government officials, diplomats and business representatives to showcase different varieties of Pakistani mangoes, promote cultural ties and expand trade cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
"For many people around the world, the mango is simply a delicious fruit. But for the people of Pakistan, it is a cherished part of our national heritage," Siddiqui said.
Pakistan is among the world's leading mango producers with around 1.8 million metric tons of annual production, according to Siddiqui,
He said the country ranks sixth globally in mango production and fourth in fresh mango exports, with more than 250 varieties known for their distinct flavors and characteristics.
Siddiqui said Pakistan had steadily expanded its mango exports over the years to markets across the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and other regions.
"As we continue to improve quality standards, cold-chain logistics and modern packaging, we are also seeking new export destinations. Every mango presented at this event has been carefully handled and transported to meet the highest international export standards," he said.
Agricultural products are among the items traded between the two neighbors. Pakistan’s chief export to Iran is Mango while Iran has been a supplier dates to Pakistan. In 2024, Pakistan imported about $15.5 million worth of dates from Iran, according to trade data.