Pakistan hosts mandarin festival in Colombo

Pakistan High Commissioner Major General (Retd.) Umar Farooq Burki (fifth from left) with invitees cutting of Kinnow product cake during the Pakistan Kinnow Promotional Event at BMICH – Pic by Ruwan Walpola

The High Commission of Pakistan in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), yesterday held a promotional event for Pakistani Kinnows (Mandarins) at the BMICH in Colombo.

Mohan Priyadarshana de. Silva, State Minister for Agriculture and MP A.H.M. Fowzi, Member of Parliament graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Maj. Gen (Retd.) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) stated that it was a matter of immense pride to highlight one of Pakistan’s finest produce in Sri Lanka. He highlighted that Pakistan is the 12th largest producer of citrus fruits in the world and the largest producer of Kinnow ─ a unique variety of citrus that is indigenous to this part of the world.

The High Commissioner encouraged Sri Lankan importers to source competitively priced, high quality kinnows from Pakistan so that this delicious fruit can be enjoyed by all Sri Lankans.

Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Attache’ Asmma Kamal delivered a detailed presentation on Pakistan’s Citrus sector and its export potential. 

She encouraged Sri Lankan businesses to explore the unique opportunity to source fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry products, cereals, processed foods and confectionery from Pakistan, all under one roof.

The event was well-attended by members of the diplomatic corps in Colombo, senior Government officials and leading Sri Lankan fruit importers and representatives of chain stores. The guests were served with a specially curated variety of savoury and dessert items featuring mandarin as an ingredient.