Pakistan's first mango shipments went to South Korea this season after gaining approval for the standard and quality of its fruit, website Tribune.com.pk reported.

Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PVFA) co-chairman Waheed Ahmed, announced the news earlier this week.

"With this landmark achievement, Pakistani mango exporters got the market access of a third highly-valued important country after the U.S. and Japan," he was quoted as saying.

He said mangoes sent to Seoul could become the second-most important destination for sea shipments after Dubai with the voyage taking 14 days. He estimated at least 10,000-15,000 metric tons (MT) could be exported during the next few years.

However, shipments this season were likely to be small due to insufficient marketing and advertising.

Waheed suggested Pakistan's Trade Development Authority organize a business delegation to South Korea to show case the country's different varieties.

Approval followed a recent visit by South Korean experts to see the country's hard water treatment facilty of Iftikhar Ahmed and Company and Pakistan Horti Fresh Processing.

South Korea currently imports mangoes from the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, however, Waheed said he was confident the "unique taste and quality" of Pakistani fruit would ensure a sizeable market share.

In the last three years, Pakistan has successfully gained access to the U.S., Japan, Jordan and Mauritius.

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