[🇵🇰] China-Pakistan Trade

[ghazi]

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.

 

[ghazi]

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.

 

[ghazi]

[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.

 

[ghazi]

[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.

 

[Ghazi52]

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.

 

[Ghazi52]

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.

 

[Ghazi52]

 

[Ghazi52]

Pakistani medical device industry taps new opportunities in booming Chinese market​

By Mariam Raheem | Gwadar Pro
Oct 14, 2024

SHENZHEN- “China ranks among Pakistan’s top six export destinations for surgical instruments. The immense consumer demand and capacity in China have prompted us to register all our products for sales licenses there,” said Akif Javaid, the proprietor of NJ Enterprises from Sialkot, Pakistan, as he exhibited a range of surgical, dental, ENT diagnostic, orthopedic, cosmetics and surgery instruments at the ongoing 90th China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) in Shenzhen, China.

Akif Javaid, with Muhammad Imran, Trade & Investment Counselor, Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou and his client at the CMEF [Photo provided by Akif Javaid]

From October 12th to 15th, the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an) hosted the CMEF, drawing over 4,000 companies from across the globe who displayed tens of thousands of medical device products. The event attracted international professionals from more than 150 countries and regions, cementing its reputation as the global healthcare industry’s “wind vane.”

Spanning nearly 200,000 square meters, the exhibition floor is abuzz with renowned enterprises showcasing the latest innovations in medical imaging, in vitro diagnostics, medical electronics and other segments of the medical device industry chain. With products integrating AI, big data and cloud platforms, the fair highlighted the innovative prowess of high-end medical devices.

NJ Enterprises, known for manufacturing high-quality surgical instruments, is well-positioned to seize this opportunity. Pakistan ranks among the top countries in surgical instrument exports and is renowned for its expertise in surgical medical equipment. According to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Pakistan exports up to 10,000 different surgical products with up to 40,000 different distinct products available in the catalogue of companies in the Sialkot Cluster.

The CMEF exhibition area is organized into 14 major sections, including medical imaging, in vitro diagnostics, medical electronics, medical optics, hospital construction, operating rooms, sterilization and infection control, medical consumables, and orthopedics, providing a comprehensive view of the entire medical industry chain.