KARACHI: Pakistan’s mango export during the current season has doubled compared to corresponding period of the last year as the current pace may help exporters to accomplish desired goal of total 1,25,000 tonne exports. Fruit traders and exporters claimed from May till June 20, 2009 the country has exported around 30 thousand tonne of fruit, which is far better compared to around 15 thousand tonne achieved during the same period of 2008 while the total export at the end of the mango season stood at around 70 thousand to 75 thousand tonne. The expected mango yield during the current season is anticipated to be in the range of 1.6 million to 1.8 million tonne and out of this quantity, the target of 1,25,000 tonne appears inadequate as indicated by most of the exporters which they blamed on account of lack of marketing in foreign markets and not enough support at the government level to help raise export target to substantial level. Currently the major exporting variety of mango includes Sindhri and Chaunsa from Sindh and by the first week of the next month, different variety of Chaunsa from Punjab would start finding their way in the international markets. Major mango importing countries includes Europe, whole Gulf region, Afghanistan and Iran. Chairman All Pakistan Vegetable and Fruit Exporting Association, Abdul Wahid informed out of total 30 thousands tonne of the mango exported so far, some 5 thousand tonne were dispatched through air routes while the rest by sea. Owing to high tariff charged by the national Flag carrier PIA, exporters preferred to send little quantity of the mango through the same while the bulk was send off through foreign airlines charging less. The airfreight rates difference stood at around Rs 30 per kg which was enough to lure exporters to book their cargo with them. He said currently a delegation from Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headed by Minoru Uga was visiting Karachi for inspection of Vapour Heat Treatment Plat (VHT) at Malir, donated by the country some four years ago for treatment of different varieties of mango rendering them worth exporting to Japan. The plant was installed with the objective to eliminate the menace of fruit fly from Sindhri and Chaunsa as Japan has indicated to import Pakistani mango from next year, which is regarded as lucrative and rewarding market for exporters. Fruit exporters association has also planned to hold a seminar during July of the current year, which is expected to be participated by Japanese fruit importers.