[🇵🇰] China-Pakistan Trade

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First Shipment Sets Green Pakistan Smart Farm Project in Motion​

By Saira Iqbal
Jan 31, 2024

Beijing -The inaugural shipment of equipment for the Green Pakistan Million Acre Smart Farm Project was dispatched from China to Pakistan on January 23, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural development. This collaborative initiative, led by Dayu Irrigation Group and local partners, aims to revolutionize farming practices and contribute to the implementation of the Green Pakistan Initiative.

The delivery ceremony was attended by Mr. Zaeem, the president of the exclusive distributor in Pakistan, and Mr. Fu Shuai, Vice GM of Dayu Irrigation International Department, who emphasized the project's importance. "The Green Pakistan Initiative, launched on July 7, 2023, by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, aims to transform the agricultural landscape. We are dedicated to participating in this groundbreaking endeavor and contributing our expertise," stated Mr. Fu Shuai.

Dayu Irrigation Group aims to integrate intelligent irrigation control systems into Pakistan's farming as part of the Green Pakistan Million Acre Smart Farm Project. By monitoring crop growth and optimizing water and fertilizer application, this system seeks to enhance yield, improve crop quality, and reduce labor costs for farmers.

"The project incorporates advanced equipment, innovative techniques and intelligent water management systems, all designed to maximize agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact," added Mr. Fu Shuai.

The successful shipment of the initial equipment batch signifies the beginning of a transformative journey for Pakistan's agricultural sector. Through unwavering Pak-China partnerships, the Green Pakistan Initiative is poised to usher in a new era of sustainable agriculture, benefiting farmers, rural communities and the nation as a whole.

 

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Trade settlement in Chinese RMB soars 600pc​

Mushtaq Ghumman
January 20, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade settlement in Chinese RMB has increased by 600 percent, ie, from 2 percent in 2018 to over 14 percent in 2023, well-informed sources in the Commerce Ministry told Business Recorder.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) recently informed the Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) that the necessary regulatory framework for the settlement of trade in RMB is in place. The SBP has designated three banks, ie, ICBC, BoC and SCB to establish RMB settlement and the clearing setup.

People’s Bank of China (PBC) and SBP signed a cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Subsequently, PBC authorized ICBC to act as RMB clearing bank in Pakistan. Resultantly, there has been a noticeable increase in trade settled in RMB - from 2 percent in 2018 to more than 14 percent in 2023.

According to the State Bank, the development on establishment of a regulatory framework will be communicated to importers/exporters and other interested investors and an update will be presented in the next EC.

The Council was also informed that SBP has put in place a regulatory framework for the facilitation of banks to carry out settlements through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) mechanism, which allows settlement of trade in three currencies (dollar, Euro, and JPY). Pakistan is an active number of ACUs with a total trade during Jan-Oct 2023 of $ 509 million.

The AC of the SIFC has directed Governor SBP to communicate development on the establishment of a regulatory framework for ACU to concerned importers/exporters and investors and an update be presented in the next EC.

The meeting was also informed that cash over the counter facility in already is place (was never suspended) to facilitate exports to Afghanistan, subject to submission of the Customs’ declaration to ensure that foreign currency carried by Afghani importers comes from across the border of Afghanistan.

The Governor State bank of Pakistan has been directed to provide a progress update on SBP’s engagement with National Bank of Pakistan to utilize its branches/booths at border crossing points to collect foreign currency cash and present it in the next EC.

 

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First batch of cooked beef imported from Pakistan cleared customs in Tianjin​

By Wu Siya | Gwadar Pro
Jan 18, 2024

TIANJIN, – On January 3, 500 kilograms of frozen boiled beef from Pakistan passed the territorial inspection of Tianjin Customs and entered the Chinese market, being the first batch of cooked beef imported by China from Pakistan.

Frozen cooked beef from Pakistan passes Tianjin Customs [Photo provided to GP]

In recent years, cooperation between China and Pakistan in various fields has been continuously strengthened. Since last year, both sides have signed protocols on the export of Pakistani cooked beef and dried chili peppers to China, achieved access to Pakistani fresh cherries to China, and reached an agreement on the export of Pakistani dairy products and animal skins to China.

An increasing number of Pakistani products of high quality and qualified companies are entering the Chinese market.

In 2022, global beef consumption reached 56.961 million tons, with China’s beef consumption reaching 9.87 million tons, accounting for 17% of the total. In contrast, Pakistan only contributes .5% to the world’s beef consumption. According to a report released by China Animal Agriculture Association, China’s beef consumption is projected to continue increasing until 2025. It is expected that by 2035, China’s beef consumption will reach 14 million tons, with a projected gap of more than 3 million tons.

“We learned through the import access list published by the General Administration of Customs that Pakistani cooked beef has recently gained access. After contacting Pakistan Organic Meat Company Limited through the online platform, we learned more about their product, then signed a cooperation agreement,” Ma Weilong, General Manager of Tianjin Longing International Logistics Co., Ltd., which imported the goods, told the reporter of Gwadar Pro.

“Pakistan is a viable export partner of China due to its proximity and logistics advantages. We are also the cheapest nation in providing goods to the world. The quality and price of Pakistan’s beef are far superior to those of many other countries,” CEO of Organic Meat said.

Pakistani heat-treated beef that is allowed to be imported refers to meat products that are made from boneless skeletal muscle of cattle under 30 months of age, which are pre-boned and fat-removed and then heated to an internal core temperature of above 70℃ for at least 30 minutes.

“It only took less than one day from pick-up at the port to customs clearance, which greatly saved customs clearance costs and allowed imported food to be put on domestic shelves for sale as soon as possible,” said Liu Haizhou, deputy general manager of Longing.

“Beijing and Tianjin Customs attach great importance to this batch of goods. They greatly improve customs clearance efficiency through the application of automated electronic customs declaration and inspection technology,” Ma added, “This is the first time we have cooperated with a Pakistani partner. In the future, Longing will have more in-depth trade cooperation with Pakistani cooked beef factories.”

 

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First shipment of dried chillies leaves for China​

Tahir Siddiqui
December 20, 2023

KARACHI

First shipment of dried chillies leaves for China​

www.dawn.com

 

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Pak-China Leather Industry Partnerships Flourish at Pakistan Mega Leather Show​

By Saira Iqbal
Jan 29, 2024

Lahore - The 9th Pakistan Mega Leather Show took place in Lahore from January 26th to 28th, achieving remarkable success. The event witnessed a significant presence of Chinese companies, who not only attended the exhibition but also forged valuable cooperation agreements, solidifying the potential for collaboration between the Chinese and Pakistani footwear industries.

"Given China's position as the top producer of footwear and leather goods, coupled with Pakistan's ability to supply high-quality leather to major brands at competitive labor costs, the potential for a win-win cooperation between the two countries is substantial," said Agha Saiddain, former chairman of Pakistan Tanners Association. Understanding the potential of Pak-China leather industry cooperation, the Guangdong Shoes Materials Association organized a delegation of Chinese companies to participate in this influential exhibition.

“The products primarily produced in Pakistan are mainly made of real leather, but there is a significant scarcity of footwear and bag products made from other materials such as synthetic leather.

The local population also exhibits a strong desire for fashionable footwear and bags. Pakistan also have implemented favorable import policies for these products, creating a conducive environment for collaboration between Chinese exhibitors and the Pakistani market,” said one Chinese exhibitor.

During the three-day exhibition, Chinese companies experienced a continuous influx of interested visitors, rivaling the popularity of even the renowned Canton Fair. Several Chinese enterprises also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with local industry partners during the expo. "We are eager to find Chinese partners at this exhibition. China, with its large population and high consumption capacity, plays a significant role as an importer of finished leather from Pakistan.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides Pakistan with a strategic advantage, greatly benefiting the leather export industry. Additionally, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and China further amplifies these advantages," expressed a Pakistani participant.

In addition to their active participation in the exhibition, the Chinese delegation also conducted insightful field visits to local leather factories, gaining in-depth knowledge about the production conditions, technological capabilities and market prospects of Pakistani manufacturers.

This tour has paved the way for an enhanced partnership between the Chinese and Pakistani leather industries, ultimately benefiting consumers in both markets.

 

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Pakistan’s sesame seeds export to China up 126% in 2023​

By Zafar Hussain | Gwadar Pro
Feb 14, 2024

BEIJING, Feb 14 (Gwadar Pro) – Pakistan’s export of sesame seeds to China surpassed $290.66 million from January to December 2023, marking a growth of 126.29 percent on a year-on-year basis.

Ghulam Qadir, Commercial Counsellor at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, stated that according to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), China imported 166,682.987 tons of sesame seeds from Pakistan in 2023. This represents an increase of 96.13% by volume, amounting to $290.66 million, compared to 84,985.321 tons worth $128.44 million in 2022.

He added that during 2023, Pakistan's exports to China exceeded $3.459 billion, an increase of 1.4% on a year-on-year basis.

Qadir also mentioned that GACC data revealed that in 2023, China imported 912,814.577 tons of sesame seeds worth approximately $1.52 billion from around the world. Niger, with 192,529.528 tons worth $309.51 million, remained the top Sesame seed exporter to China for the third consecutive year, followed by Pakistan with $290.66 million and Tanzania with $239.83 million. In 2023, Pakistan contributed to around 19 percent of the total sesame seed exports to China from January to December.

 

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Pakistan’s hosiery export to China up 45% in 2023​

By Zafar Hussain | Gwadar Pro
Mar 2, 2024

BEIJING, Mar. 2 (Gwadar Pro) - Pakistan's hosiery export to China witnessed a substantial surge, marking a remarkable 45% increase in the year 2023.

This significant uptick underscores the strengthening trade ties between the two nations and highlights Pakistan's growing prominence in the global textile market, said Muhammad Irfan, Trade and Investment Counselor at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou.

Muhammad Irfan said that several factors contributed to this notable expansion in hosiery exports. Pakistan's competitive advantage lies in its robust textile industry, which is known for its quality products and cost-effectiveness.

“Overall pantyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery export from Pakistan to China in the year 2023 crossed $14.32 million whereas in 2022 it was $9.81 million, an increase of 45%. Hosiery & footwear made of cotton, commodity code (61159500), crossed $11.55 million in 2023 while in 2022 it was $ 7.61 million, up to 51%,” he mentioned.

“The largest Chinese delegation participated in TEXPO, one of the largest textile exhibitions in Pakistan held last year, helped increase Pakistan’s export to China. This year the exhibition will also be held and I’m hoping a big increase in bilateral trade in 2024”, he stated.

He further said that with the momentum gained from this surge, Pakistan is well positioned to capitalize on the evolving dynamics of international trade and further enhance its economic standing on the global stage.

The surge in hosiery exports to China is poised to have a positive impact on Pakistan's economy. Increased export earnings will contribute to increasing foreign exchange reserves, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating growth in the domestic textile sector, which is a vital engine of Pakistan's economy.

 

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NLC facilitates movement of Chinese vehicle amid heavy snowfall​

Press Release
March 4, 2024

RAWALPINDI: Amidst heavy snowfall and inclement weather conditions, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) facilitated the movement of Chinese containers from Khunjerab to the Sost Dry Port in Gilgit Baltistan.

These containers, laden with agricultural machinery, are on transit to Bahàwalpur. According to details, a convoy of 27 Chinese vehicles entered the Khunjerab pass from China. Of these, 7 vehicles arrived at the Sost Dry Port on Saturday, while the remaining 19 completed the journey on Sunday.

However, one vehicle encountered a mishap, slipping off the road amidst the snowfall.

A team of NLC equipped with recovery machines is set to rescue the stranded vehicle on Tuesday. Once clearance procedures are finalized, the convoy will proceed towards its final destination.

It is noteworthy to mention that the NLC Sost Dry Port is situated adjacent to one of the highest border crossing points near Khunjerab. This facility plays a crucial role in streamlining cross-border trade between the two friendly countries.

 

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[H3]68% increase in Pakistan's sesame exports to China in the first two months of this year[/H3]

China Economic Net
Apr 8, 2024

BEIJING - During the first two months of this year, Pakistan's sesame exports to China exceeded $10.10 million, showing an increase of 68.11 percent over last year.

Ghulam Qadir, Investment and Trade Consul of the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, said that according to the General Administration of Customs (GACC) of the People's Republic of China (GACC), Pakistan exported 5997.744 tons to China during January-February 2024. Exported sesame seeds worth $10.10 million, which is an increase of 68.11% compared to $6 million in the same period last year.

He added that China purchased 166682.987 tons of sesame seeds from Pakistan in 2023, which is an increase of 96.13% in volume, worth $290.66 million, while in 2022, it was 84985.321 tons worth $128.44 million.

Sesame seed exporter Mohammad Amir told CEN that the increase in agricultural exports reflects Pakistan's determination to diversify its trade portfolio and gain access to new markets.

The growing demand for sesame seeds from China strengthens Pakistan's agricultural sector and promotes greater economic cooperation between the two countries.

He further said that Pakistan is looking for ways to increase its exports, cooperation with important trading partners like China is playing an important role in advancing the sustainable development and prosperity of both the countries.

He further said that Pakistani farmers need incentives such as new innovative methods, affordable technologies, yield-enhancing seeds and training to promote exports of agricultural products.

It should be noted that Pakistan exported sesame seeds to China worth $290.66 million in 2023, $128.44 million in 2022 and $120.44 million in 2021.

 

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[H3]Buffalo embryos allowed to China from specific regions of Pakistan[/H3]
By Mia Shah | Gwadar Pro
Apr 15, 2024

BEIJING - The General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China issued a joint announcement recently, allowing specific regions of Pakistan to export buffalo embryos that meet quarantine requirements in China.

The latitude and longitude coordinates provided in the announcement correspond to the buffalo epidemic-free ranch of Royal Group in Punjab. This marks the first ranch in Pakistan and the only one in the world capable of exporting high-yield buffalo embryos to China.

As one of the first agricultural projects initiated under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Royal Group's "Buffalo Breeding Project" has made significant progress. The importation of buffalo embryos into China can significantly shorten the cycle of improving dairy buffalo breeds from 12 years in the past to 3 years. Additionally, the milk production of a single buffalo can be increased by more than threefold.

In addition, Royal Group has established an in vitro embryo production factory and pastures in Pakistan. They have also recruited and trained local researchers and farm managers, and provided high-quality germplasm resources of milk buffalo to Pakistan.

This has helped solve the issue of maintaining the local super buffalo resource.
In 2021, Royal Group established Royal Cell Biotechnology (Pakistan) and officially launched the "Milk Buffalo Provenance Chip" strategy. In the following year, the Royal Cell in vitro embryo production plant was formally inaugurated. Now, local technicians in Pakistan can produce hundreds of high-quality buffalo embryos in a week. The embryos will breed high-yielding milk buffalo herds and greatly increase buffalo milk production once they are introduced to China.

At present, a 10,000-head buffalo breeding ranch funded by Royal Group is currently under intensive construction. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by June 2024. The first phase will provide 3,000 recipient cattle for carrying out embryo transplantation of high-yield buffaloes from Pakistan. This initiative aims to rapidly breed the first batch of high-yield breeding herds in China.

 

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Cross-border bus service between Gilgit, Kashgar resumes after 14 years​

Gwadar Pro
Oct 8, 2024

ISLAMABAD - The Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) has officially received approval from Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Communications to restart its cross-border bus service between Gilgit and Kashgar, China, after a 14-year suspension, officials said in Saturday afternoon.

This service, which had been discontinued in 2010 due to a natural disaster, was halted when a massive landslide led to the creation of Attabad Lake, submerging a 14-kilometer stretch of the crucial Karakoram Highway (KKH).

The restoration of this vital transport link is the result of a collaborative effort between NATCO, a state-owned transport company in Gilgit-Baltistan, and Xinjiang-Kashgar Xin Lu Transportation Co. Ltd, a Chinese company.

The resumption of this bus service is expected to greatly improve connectivity between Pakistan and China, facilitating increased tourism and trade, particularly in the scenic and strategically important region of Gilgit-Baltistan.

NATCO spokesperson Ehsan Shah said that the bus service is scheduled to begin before the Khunjerab Pass closes for the winter in December. He noted that the two sides are working on updating certain aspects of the original 2006 agreement, with a formal signing ceremony expected in the coming weeks.

The reestablishment of the Gilgit-Kashgar bus service will reforge the connection between the picturesque Gilgit-Baltistan region and Kashgar, a key trade hub in China’s Xinjiang province, providing new opportunities for economic cooperation and cultural exchange.

 

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3 Tons of Pakistani Pine Nuts Arrive in Ezhou, China​

Gwadar Pro
Oct 8, 2024

EZHOU-A fully-loaded SF Airlines freighter carrying 3 tons of "Pakistani gems" pine nuts imported from western Pakistan arrived at Ezhou Huahu International Airport via the "Ezhou-Lahore" international cargo route at the end of September.

After clearing customs, these fresh, high-quality pine nuts were dispatched from Ezhou to Yiwu and then distributed throughout China. The smoothly occupied international cargo route, coupled with efficient logistics services, has significantly facilitated trade between China and Pakistan.

Pakistan ranks as the fifth-largest producer of pine nuts globally and is the largest source of pine nut imports for China, accounting for 42% of the total import volume.

The newly established “Ezhou⇄Lahore” international cargo route, launched on January 13 this year, enhances trade relations between China and Pakistan, facilitating smoother access for Chinese brands into the Pakistani market and easing the entry of Pakistani products into China.

As the cargo routes expand, several safeguard measures have been implemented. Ezhou Customs now offers round-the-clock customs clearance, providing streamlined services such as “one-stop clearance” and “one-click clearance.” As a specialized cargo hub, Huahu International Airport saw its international cargo flights exceed 200 in a single week in August, with monthly flights surpassing 3,000 for the first time, ranking third nationally.

Chinese logistics companies have further optimized transportation processes, significantly enhancing delivery efficiency. With the support of SF Logistics, the pine nuts from Lahore reach their Chinese destination in just 24 hours, greatly reducing transit times.

Additionally, optimized logistics solutions have yielded an average savings of 20% in transportation costs, achieving a dual victory in both economic and social benefits.

 

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