Pakistan’s agriculture sector is poised for a boost in exports to China, through a renewed focus on standardization and quality control.
After fulfilling China’s required standardization on meat, chili, and other commodities, Pakistan signed MoUs with China to export these products from Pakistan to China, said Ghulam Qadir, Commercial Counselor, the Embassy of Pakistan, according to a report published by Gwadar Pro on Saturday.
Speaking with a forum titled “International Forum on Standardization Development of Agricultural Products”, at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) , Ghulam Qadir said that China is helping Pakistan develop their standards for various crops, such as wheat, rice, cotton, and maize.
This will involve defining parameters for crop quality, including size, weight, moisture content, and pesticide residue levels, among others.
“Both countries are working together to promote sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing soil health, water management, and reduced carbon emissions.
These standards aim to protect the environment while ensuring long-term food security. China is also helping Pakistan with the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, with a focus on minimizing the presence of harmful residues in food items,” he added.
He further said that over the past few years, Pakistan has made substantial strides in improving its agricultural production, with a particular emphasis on quality control and meeting international standards.
These efforts are now paying off as the country aims to capture a more substantial share of China’s burgeoning agricultural market.
He added that “we would get more support from China to ensure the standardization of the products if we want to improve our exports to China”.
“Pakistan’s agricultural exports to China have historically been limited to a few commodities, such as rice, sesame seed, and cotton. However, the landscape is evolving rapidly, as Pakistan diversifies its exports to include fruits, vegetables, and processed products.
This transformation has been driven by a combination of factors, including increased investment in agriculture, improved infrastructure, and most crucially, adherence to international standards”, he added.
