The Potential of Pakistan’s Exports to China

The trade deficiency with China can be settled very positively, and that is the biggest trade deficit we are facing. In trade with China globally, there is only one country which is on a positive trade balance, and that is Germany. China has become one of the biggest buyers from Germany, and mainly the trade is based on technology and machinery products.

Similarly, China has become an importer

of food products from all over Europe, but mainly from Germany.

The Chinese population has diversified itself more towards high-end food. The other unconventional products that I can mention, which China can import from Pakistan, such as processed seafood, is one of the major products. The total potential of the China seafood market is definitely increasing, and Pakistan, with its potential, has a golden opportunity to move towards stabilizing its trade with China.

Furthermore, there are many herbal products that are in high demand in China, but we are still struggling with that. The problem with the Pakistan export system is the lack of technology and packing. Preserved and dried food can capture a huge market in China. Our embassies are requested to play a keen role in this area. Products from a country like Pakistan, such as Himalayan salt, can have a considerable market in China, but our direct exports of this natural salt are very limited.

Multani Mitti, which is commonly used in different kinds of face scrubs, is one unconventional product that can capture a huge market in China.

Similarly, embroidered products such as Kurtis have a huge demand in China. The Pashmina shawl is one of the key products that can have a direct source for the China market. Definitely, I know one Chinese group sitting in Islamabad, they are exporting many different products to China such as soap, toothpaste, creams, cigarettes, and so many other products that we cannot imagine, and the worth is in billions of RMB. Who can imagine that Pakistan has the potential to create a possibility to export all these products to China.

Talking about precious stones such as ruby, light ruby, sapphire, and emerald, they have huge potential. The Pakistan government needs to provide initiatives to Chinese hi-tech industries which have the ability to process and polish these kinds of products. Bangles apparently look like a very small product,

but compared with India, our strength to export bangles is very limited. These are some domestic industries which can play a very crucial part for our industry.

Despite the fact that Pakistan is an agriculture country, we are dependent on importing garlic and ginger from China.

Can we imagine, right now we are the importers of camel dry milk to China. Such a simple product with a huge opportunity. The government must pay proper attention to promote it. Only this product can bring huge resources to our economy. The only thing the government needs to do is to develop preservation technology in Pakistan. Right now, some companies have already set a successful example to export this product globally, and especially to China. An extract of the natural flowers which are being produced on our land for centuries has huge potential for export. But unluckily, most of our natural flowers are being wasted, despite the fact that we could bring them to value addition. The Pakistan government needs to arrange a country exhibition, especially the role of TDAP, which can be very vital. Handicraft is one of the indigenous products that has a very high demand. That needs to be upgraded to international standards. Xinjiang, the neighboring city with the Pakistan border, has a huge demand for our cultural products, as culturally they are very close to us.

During my multiple visits to China, I have found out the opportunities starting from ingredient spices and many eatable products that are very common, can achieve a big goal by enhancing our exports. Similarly, the ornaments being used in Pakistan with artificial jewelry, the potential is huge.

Specifically, some areas such as chicken paws is one of the key products that used to be exported to China, but not directly. The pity is that we have to send these products to Vietnam and Thailand, and then by changing the label, it is being exported to China. The beef stomach in dried form is one of the most attractive products. That has a huge margin. And making sure that this stomach in Pakistan is traded as waste or animal feed. The government needs to pay special attention to that. The most notorious factor in all this is donkey meat. I don’t go into its halal or haram procedure, but the government of Pakistan should intend to set up farms where we can export live donkeys to China. I am sure this will play a greater role in the development of our economy.

These are some specific areas which have been noticed by the government, but I need to ask about the role of our business councils and similarly, our commercial ambassadors. Has the Pakistan government ever pushed them to enhance the target for their exports to China? My proposal to the government is always based on reality and my connection with the Chinese trade organizations, who always want to welcome and enhance their trade from China to Pakistan.