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Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan eyes China as key market for maize exports
MAILISI: The first seminar on maize export potential to China was held on Monday at Mailisi, Vehari, a major maize-producing cluster. The event, which included maize growers, government officials, and industry representatives, highlighted Pakistan's efforts to boost maize exports by meeting the stringent quality and safety standards required by the Chinese market. The seminar underscored the strategic importance of China as a key destination for Pakistani maize. Speakers from various departments emphasized the need for strict adherence to international and Chinese standards. The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) detailed the necessary phytosanitary compliances, including the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 and standards set by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). They also outlined key Chinese food safety standards for mycotoxins (GB 2761-2017), contaminants (GB 2762-2017), and pesticide residues (GB 2763-2021) as mandatory for market access. TDAP organises series of seminars to boost maize exports Dr Mubarik Ahmed from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) addressed critical quality control issues such as aflatoxins and the khapra beetle. He discussed strategies to mitigate these risks, including maintaining dry, cool, and clean grain storage, and noted that maize is the third most important food grain crop in Pakistan. Athar Hussain Khokhar, DG TDAP, highlighted the significant opportunities presented by the recent finalization of the maize export protocol between Pakistan and China. He stated, 'In 2023, China imported approximately 26.23 million metric tons of maize, valued at $9.01 billion. This protocol positions Pakistan to capitalize on China's growing demand, driven by its expanding livestock and feed industries, offering a transformative opportunity to boost Pakistan's agricultural exports and enhance foreign exchange earnings.' He stressed that proactive engagement through capacity-building initiatives is crucial to prepare growers and exporters to meet China's stringent quality and compliance standards, ensuring sustained market access. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Seminar on enhancing Pakistan's fodder export held
BAHAWALPUR: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, successfully hosted a seminar titled 'Enhancing Pakistan's Fodder Export through Best Practices and Market Opportunities' at Bahawalpur. This event, the third in a series following successful sessions in Multan and Rahim Yar Khan in December 2024, aimed to bolster Pakistan's fodder export potential by promoting resource-efficient farming, compliance with international standards, and market access strategies for high-potential markets like China, Korea, and Qatar. Moderated by Ms Hina Tahir, Deputy Director (Agro & Food Division), TDAP, the seminar convened key stakeholders, including exporters, representatives from the Department of Plant Protection, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, and trade missions from Korea and China. The event featured virtual participation from exporters, underscoring the growing industry interest in Pakistan's fodder export sector. Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General (Agro & Food Division), TDAP, emphasized TDAP's commitment to unlocking global fodder markets through innovation, compliance, and collaboration. He highlighted recent trade initiatives, including the Pakistan Animal Fodder Delegation to Qatar, which engaged six Pakistani companies in productive B2B meetings with Qatari firms like Hassad Food, Widam Food, and Baladna, fostering opportunities for Rhodes grass, alfalfa, and other fodder exports. Dr Qamar Shakil, Chief Scientist at the Agriculture Biotechnology Research Institute, Faisalabad, shared advanced techniques for optimizing Rhodes grass and other fodder crop production, focusing on quality enhancement and sustainability to meet export market demands. Ghulam Qadir, Trade & Investment Counsellor (Beijing), highlighted China's position as the world's largest feed producer and consumer, with 2024 feed imports totalling $13.74 billion. Despite Pakistan's modest 1.84% share ($253 million), primarily in oil seeds and fish meals, Rhodes grass holds significant potential due to an approved import protocol. He urged exporters to register with China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) to activate this protocol and explore negotiations for sorghum and alfalfa, which face current restrictions. Key Chinese importers, such as New Hope Liuhe Co, Ltd and Tongwei Co, Ltd, were identified as potential partners. Muhammad Hassan Farid, Trade & Investment Counsellor (Seoul), noted that Korea imports over 70% of its animal feed, with Pakistan's 2024 exports to Korea reaching $2 million. He emphasized the untapped potential for cereal straw and bovine feed, contingent on establishing APQA-approved quarantine facilities in Pakistan to meet Korean regulatory standards. Dr Khalid Zafar, Entomologist from the Department of Plant Protection provided technical guidance on GACC and APQA registration processes, detailing phytosanitary requirements, including pest control, certification, and pre-shipment inspections to ensure compliance. Pakistan's fodder industry, producing 55 million tonnes annually, including 5 million tonnes of alfalfa, is well-positioned to capture emerging markets. With 470,000 hectares of suitable land in Punjab and competitive production costs, Pakistan offers a cost and logistics edge, particularly for Gulf markets like Qatar, located just 1,100 km away. The recent delegation to Qatar secured strong interest from major buyers, with Hassad Food requesting product samples for Rhodes grass and Widam Food initiating vendor registration for Pakistani suppliers. Baladna, Qatar's leading dairy producer, expressed keen interest in alfalfa, aligning with Pakistan's high-quality offerings. The seminar underscored the need for policy actions to enhance export competitiveness, including expanding GACC-registered exporters, expediting sorghum protocol negotiations with China, and establishing APQA-approved facilities for Korea. Strengthening technical cooperation with Chinese firms for feed processing technology and quality control was also recommended. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
