The Potential of Pakistan’s Exports to China

Part 1

China is one of the largest markets in the world, and for Pakistan it is much more than a nearby trading partner. It is a market with room for Pakistani seafood, minerals, agricultural produce, textiles and a range of other products. Yet, when we look at the trade taking place between the two countries, it is clear that Pakistan has not been able to make full use of this opportunity. The list of Pakistani products reaching Chinese buyers is still relatively narrow, while the balance of trade continues to favour China. This should not be seen only as a trade gap; it should also encourage us to look more closely at what Pakistan can produce, what Chinese consumers and industries are buying, and where our exporters can compete. The opportunity is there, but turning it into actual business will depend on better preparation at home.

Vice President of Pak-China Joint Chamber

Seafood is a good place to begin. Pakistan has a coastline, an established fishing sector and the potential to become a more regular supplier to China, particularly in shrimp. The scale of China’s seafood market, together with the exports made by regional competitors, shows that there is room for Pakistan to build a stronger presence. India’s shrimp exports to China offer a useful point of comparison. Pakistan does not need to approach this market with slogans; it needs to give buyers the things they look for: reliable quality, proper grading and products that can be delivered in good condition.

Beef is another opportunity that deserves attention. China imports large quantities of beef, but Pakistani exporters have not yet secured all the approvals required under the standards of Chinese food authorities. As a result, Pakistan has not been able to develop a meaningful share in this market.

Pakistan’s marble, granite and gemstones could also find a stronger place in China. Lasbela marble and Pakistani granite have the qualities to attract buyers, while stones such as lapis lazuli, jade and nephrite have their own markets. The difficulty is that a considerable amount of material leaves Pakistan with limited processing, which means much of its possible value is added elsewhere. There is a real difference between exporting a raw stone and sending a finished product that has been cut, polished and prepared for a buyer. Developing local processing facilities, introducing modern machinery and training skilled workers would help Pakistan retain more value from its own resources.

There is further potential in processing fruit and agricultural products rather than relying only on fresh exports. Bananas, grapes, apples and potatoes can be used to produce juices, pulps, flavours, vinegar, essences and other processed goods. Potato starch is one product worth exploring, particularly because Pakistan has an agricultural base that could support local processing and reduce dependence on imported supplies. Sesame seeds are already exported to China, but there is room to improve their value through cleaning, grading and processing that meets the expectations of Chinese buyers. In each case, the opportunity is not simply to grow more; it is to prepare the product properly, reduce waste and sell something that earns a better return.

Herbal products, pink salt and traditional medicine-related products are also worth examining. China has a substantial market for herbal medicine, and some Pakistani products may be able to find a place in it. This would require careful attention to quality assurance, packaging, processing and regulatory requirements.

Pakistan’s mineral resources offer another route to export growth. Minerals can contribute more to the national export basket when they are processed locally instead of being shipped mainly in raw form. Chinese entrepreneurs and companies could be useful partners in this effort, bringing technology, investment and experience in mineral processing.

Agricultural technology could give this export effort a stronger foundation. Existing cooperation in chilli and other seed-related projects offers a starting point for wider engagement with Chinese companies. China’s acquisition of Syngenta AG in 2017 also brought international attention to the importance of advanced seed technology and food security. Pakistan can benefit from cooperation in improved seeds, local field trials, breeding and commercial production. The benefits would extend beyond the farms themselves: better seed varieties can improve yields, strengthen consistency and help ensure that products intended for export meet the quality buyers expect. Cooperation in this area should bring together researchers, farmers and businesses so that new technology is tested locally and can be used on a commercial scale.

Of course, identifying products is only one part of the task. An exporter may have a good product and a willing buyer, but the shipment can still be held back if the required approvals or certificates are missing. Food safety testing, quarantine, certification, traceability and packaging all matter in the Chinese market. Pakistani institutions and their Chinese counterparts can make the process easier to understand by maintaining regular contact, sharing updated requirements and helping exporters complete the necessary procedures. Three improvements would make a practical difference: clearer guidance for businesses, more accessible testing and certification facilities, and a coordinated system for dealing with approvals. Seafood, meat, fruit and other agricultural products would particularly benefit from a process that is clear and predictable.

Transport costs and delays are another part of the export challenge. Freight charges, detention and demurrage costs can make Pakistani products more expensive before they even reach the buyer. Pakistan’s land connectivity with China offers an opportunity to expand trade, but routes alone are not enough; the movement of goods must also be affordable and dependable.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) can play a more active role in turning interest into business. Pakistani companies need regular opportunities to present their products in China and meet importers, distributors and investors face to face. Platforms in Qingdao, Kashgar and Changsha could help introduce Pakistani products to different markets and give businesses a chance to understand local demand. But an exhibition should not be treated as the end of the exercise. It should be followed by buyer meetings, exchange of samples, price discussions and continued contact until real orders are secured. The government and relevant trade bodies could support this work by helping exporters prepare for exhibitions. An annual Pakistan–China business forum, held alternately in the two countries, could provide a regular setting for these discussions and help keep promising proposals moving forward.

Pakistan does not need to build its export relationship with China overnight. The more useful approach is to take steady steps. With closer cooperation between government departments, exporters, chambers of commerce, universities and Chinese partners, the opportunities discussed above can gradually move from potential to actual trade. The aim should be a broader and more balanced trading relationship in which Pakistani businesses are better placed to sell their products, develop new partnerships and take part in the growing Chinese market.