For the first time, a consignment of pineapple and papaya has been exported to Dubai, UAE, through Chattogram Port. Dhaka-based exporter South Breeze Agro shipped the fruits via a reefer container on an experimental basis.
Sector insiders believe that successful exports of pineapple and papaya, which can be naturally preserved for several days, will contribute to foreign currency earnings in the future. Although these fruits had previously been exported to various other countries, this marked the first shipment to the UAE, dispatched last Saturday.
The consignment was sent to Mohammed Kamal Uddin Vegetables and Fruits Trading LLC in Dubai.
Weighing a total of 5,492.5 kilograms, it included 71.5 kg of pineapple, 110 kg of papaya, 150 kg of lemon, 44 kg of champa bananas, 117 kg of sagar bananas, and 5,000 kg of guava. The pineapples were sourced from Tangail.
According to industry sources, Bangladesh produces approximately 2,00,000 tonnes of pineapple annually, though a significant portion is lost due to inadequate preservation facilities.
Syed Munerul Hoque, pathologist at the Plant Quarantine Wing, Chattogram Seaport Station, confirmed the unique nature of the export, noting that while pineapple and papaya had been previously shipped to other countries, this was the first time they were exported to the UAE via Chattogram seaport. “We issued clearance after thoroughly examining the fruits for export,” he said.
Hoque added that Chattogram’s seaport infrastructure could enable increased exports of fresh seasonal fruits like pineapple and papaya, particularly if enhanced packing and warehousing facilities are established.
South Breeze Agro Management Partner Rashedur Rahman expressed optimism, stating that major suppliers of these fruits to the UAE include countries such as the Philippines, India, Ecuador, and Africa.
“We hope to receive positive feedback on the trial consignment,” he said, adding that they plan to scale up exports in the future.
Bd-pratidin English/ Fariha Nowshin Chinika
