Pakistan Customs has successfully cleared the first consignment of mangoes bound for Moscow, Russia, under the International Transportation of Goods – TIR Convention.
This development marks a pivotal step in introducing Pakistani fresh fruits and indigenous goods to the Russian market, with potential implications for broader European trade routes.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the parent organization of Pakistan Customs, announced on Tuesday that the maiden consignment, featuring white Chaunsa mangoes, was cleared for export to Moscow. The exporting entity responsible for this landmark shipment is M/s. Ishfaq & Co, based in Okara, Sahiwal.
The FBR emphasized that this initiative is among the initial efforts to bring Pakistani fresh fruits and products to Russia, paving the way for local traders to explore not only the Russian market but also opportunities in Europe via land routes.
The consignment, which commenced its journey from Taftan/Mirjawa (Iran) border, is en route to Moscow, Russia, following the Tehran-Astara (Azerbaijan)-Astrakhan (Russia) route. The road distance from Taftan to Moscow, spanning through Astara, covers approximately 4600 kilometers and is anticipated to be completed in about seven days.
The utilization of the TIR Convention for this transportation holds strategic significance, as it opens up a new route for Pakistani exports. This route not only facilitates quicker access to the Russian market but also offers a promising path for the export of other products, including Kinnow, to Russia and the European Union.
Compared to the conventional sea voyage from Karachi to St Petersburg, which takes around 35 days, the land route via Tehran-Astara-Astrakhan significantly shortens the transportation time to approximately 10 days. This reduction in transit time is expected to stimulate the export of Kinnow and other products to the Russian Federation and the EU.
The successful clearance of the mango consignment represents a milestone in diversifying Pakistan’s export routes and exploring alternative avenues for expanding trade. The implementation of the TIR Convention not only streamlines the customs procedures but also enhances the efficiency of cross-border transportation, fostering increased trade connectivity.
The FBR expressed optimism about the positive impact of this venture, envisioning expanded opportunities for Pakistani exporters in international markets. The efficient use of land routes holds the potential to transform the dynamics of cross-border trade, providing a competitive edge for Pakistani products in the global marketplace.
As Pakistan Customs celebrates this achievement, the country looks forward to further exploration of innovative trade routes, leveraging international conventions and partnerships to bolster its position as a key player in the global trade landscape.
