Ahmad Jawad

Ahmad Jawad is a Horticulture Specialist who took up this sector in national & international media through his extensive Research & Development. He always raise issues and suggestions related to Fresh Produce Industry of Pakistan for the policy makers.
He belongs from an Agriculture family. He was elected Member Export Committee of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the period of 2011-12. For the period of 2014-15 he also appointed Director Commercial for WCCI Chamber, Quetta.
Agri Sector may treated as Industry
He said Federal Government of Pakistan must declare agriculture as an industry for a sustainable Economy. The National policy on agriculture should aim at creating viable environment to promote growth in the sector. Policies and strategies may be formulated keeping in mind the productivity and market-driven growth, he urged. As Economic renaissance in Pakistan is totally dependent on agriculture growth," so we need urgently needs a sustainable agricultural policy to improve the balance of trade and put the economy back on the track. Concerned authorities should pay attention and do something because “if we lose this major contributor to our economy" we will see escalation in prices of raw material.
Point of view on trade with India
He said there is a lot of trade potential between two nations. If trade takes a front seat, automatically, other issues shall get pushed to back seat, both countries may promote regional trade on the pattern of ASEAN, EU, NAFTA, to boost bilateral trade, but with open minds He urged on may forums that both countries are members of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) established in January 2006, trade between the two countries is unnaturally small and the scope for gains from increased trade is correspondingly large. If we adopt, pick and choose SAFTA frame work will not be activated," he said. Despite persistent apprehensions and over 65 years of uncertain political ties between India and Pakistan, "I firmly believe that things can move faster in the right direction as the two sides want to push forward their relations, especially in trade and commerce. We know trade will of course not solve all the problems between the two sides, but at least it could be an important catalyst in lowering tensions, which has to be in the interest of both India and Pakistan.
Adopt right approach to grow Pakistan horticulture sector
Jawad urged Pakistan’s horticulture exports can increase to over $1 billion by 2014 provided if the govt adopts the right approach in collaboration with the private sector. The world horticulture market is valued at $80 billion to which Pakistan contributes a small share and currently only 16 per cent of fruits are being processed. He suggested that banks may provide finance to SMEs on cash flow base lending rather than security and collateral requirements, which would greatly help the SME (Small and medium enterprises) to overcome their financial problems and they would be able to develop their business with the support of the banks.
Enhanced trade with South American countries
He said Pakistan needs to enhance trade with South American Countries, currently our level of exports with Latin and Central America marks at 1.1 percent and with South America it is 1.6 percent. Within the share of 1.6 percent of South America, the key players are Brazil and Argentina. His point of view that Pakistan constitutes high potential sectors whose contributions can benefit the existing level of International trade with South America. Besides the traditional sectors, Pakistan can improve the existing level of trade with South American countries by investing in their deficient sectors and so we can earn better place among their trading partners.

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