A food sector delegation from South Punjab visiting China has generated significant interest among Chinese buyers for Pakistani snack products, according to Shahid Imran, convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s regional food committee. The delegation explored export opportunities, business partnerships, and potential joint ventures in food manufacturing and processing.
Encouraging Response from Chinese Buyers
Imran stated that the response from Chinese buyers had been particularly encouraging for Pakistani snacks that meet international food safety and quality standards. Products made by Pakistani companies attracted attention due to their taste, quality, and manufacturing standards. He noted that Pakistani manufacturers could target China with a wider range of processed food items, including potato chips, corn-based snacks, biscuits, confectionery, and other value-added foods.
Shift to Processed Food for Higher Earnings
Moving from raw agricultural exports towards processed food could help Pakistan increase export earnings, support value addition, and improve the competitiveness of its food-manufacturing sector, Imran emphasized. He highlighted the need for stronger government facilitation, improved logistics, better trade connectivity, and compliance with international food safety standards to expand processed food exports, as reported by Gwadar Pro.
Recommendations for Pakistani Manufacturers
Imran urged Pakistani food manufacturers to enhance quality certification, production technology, packaging, branding, and pricing to build a longer-term presence in the Chinese market. He stressed that closer links with Chinese importers, distributors, and retail chains, along with more trade exhibitions and business-to-business meetings, would be crucial for sustaining growth.
Broader CPEC Context
The visit occurs as Pakistan and China seek to expand agriculture and food sector cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Officials from both countries have identified value addition and export-led growth as key priorities for this collaboration.
