Chinese firms eager to import Pakistani meat, chilli
Chinese enterprises have displayed a keen interest in importing meat, chilli, and other food commodities from Pakistan, with some expressing readiness to relocate their industrial operations to the country, announced Ghulam Qadir, the Commercial Counsellor at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. Qadir led a delegation of approximately 110 Chinese representatives from Beijing and neighbouring provinces to the inaugural International Food and Agriculture Exhibition taking place in Karachi.
In a concerted effort to foster economic collaboration, the Pakistan Embassy collaborated with the Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shanghai consulates to bring Chinese enterprises to participate in the event. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) orchestrated the exhibition, which saw the active participation of various Chinese seafood and grain associations following the signing of protocols for the import of meat, chilli, and other products.
Under the theme of “Growing a Sustainable Future,” this year’s exhibition is envisioned to unite international and local communities, igniting hope for shared progress. Qadir emphasised that the Chinese delegation engaged in Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, showing high satisfaction in exploring novel opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with their Pakistani counterparts.
Qadir expressed optimism that the event would serve as an exceptional platform for both Pakistani and Chinese industry giants to showcase their offerings to potential clients. “This occasion also presents a valuable chance for the Chinese delegation to form collaborations with local businesses and cultivate robust relationships with Pakistani customers. Furthermore, these companies can capitalise on this event to enter new markets and augment their market share in the country,” he asserted.
The Belt and Road Initiative has significantly broadened horizons for Pakistani traders, facilitating their expansion into the expansive Chinese market. A recent instance of this burgeoning collaboration is the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between China’s Litong Group and Pakistan’s Guard Agriculture Research and Services (GARS). The MoU outlines plans for cultivating red chillies in Pakistan and exporting them to China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2023.
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