Latest news with #KhalilHashmi
Express Tribune
09-08-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pak envoy visits Gansu to boost cooperation
Listen to article Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi has concluded a productive visit to Gansu province aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, education and cultural exchange. During his three-day tour, the ambassador met with senior provincial leaders, including Hu Changsheng, CPC Secretary of Gansu, to discuss strengthening government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people ties. "Agriculture remains a top priority – particularly in irrigation techniques, rain-fed farming and livestock development," the envoy emphasised. He toured the Lanzhou New Area and Jinchuan Science Park, where he observed cutting-edge advancements in industrial innovation and sustainable technology, expressing interest in aligning such expertise with Pakistan's development goals under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the education sector, the ambassador praised the scale and quality of Gansu Vocational Education Park and visited Lanzhou University, where over 200 Pakistani students are currently enrolled. He welcomed the university's plans to expand research collaboration, particularly in areas that could benefit smallholder farmers in Pakistan.
Arab News
30-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistani mangoes draw crowds at China-Eurasia Expo as exporters set 125,000-ton target
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set a pavilion at the China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi where mango varities native to the South Asian country have been drawing crowds, the Pakistani embassy said on Sunday, as mango exporters eye 125,000 tons exports this season. The 2025 China-Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo, running from June 26 till June 30 in Xinjiang's Urumqi, has brought together more than 2,800 enterprises and delegates from 50 countries and regions to deepen cooperation across Eurasia, according to the organizers. Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, along with Zhu Lifan, vice chairman of the Xinjiang government, inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion, displaying a rich array of products, including fruit, jewelry, leather garments, luxury bags and contemporary clothing. 'The pavilion's showcase of premium Pakistani mangoes drew hundreds of visitors, making it one of the most popular exhibits,' the embassy said in a statement on Sunday. 'The fruit's popularity highlighted Pakistan's agricultural excellence and potential for growth.' Pakistan is home to over 100 varieties of mangoes, including Sindhri, Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol. The South Asian country aims to export 125,000 tons of mangoes this season, a 25,000-ton increase over last year's export volume, according to the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA). If achieved, the target could generate an estimated $100 million in foreign exchange earnings. At the inauguration, Ambassador Hashmi briefed Vice Chairman Zhu about Pakistan's enhanced focus on increasing trade and investment relations with China, including Xinjiang. 'He [Ambassador Hashmi] gave the Vice Chairman a tour of the Pavilion, elaborating the high-quality of Pakistani products. The Chinese VIP also praised the taste of Pakistani mangoes,' the Pakistani embassy said. China is a longtime friend and strategic partner of Islamabad, with Beijing making significant investments in infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan. The total bilateral trade in goods between China and Pakistan reached $23.1 billion in 2024, an increase of 11.1 percent from the previous year, according to China Customs and the Pakistani embassy. China's exports to Pakistan surged 17 percent year-on-year to $20.2 billion, while imports fell by 18.2 percent to $2.8 billion. Islamabad, which is on path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, is currently making efforts to expand trade with China, Central Asian and Gulf nations to boost the $350 billion South Asian economy.
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan envoy to China visits Khorgos Free Trade Zone, Cooperation Centre
BEIJING: Pakistan's envoy to China Ambassador Khalil Hashmi paid a detailed visit to Khorgos Free Trade Zone in northern Xinjiang. This zone offers a unique triad of advantages as China's busiest dry port, border gate and cooperation Centre serving as an ideal bridge for the free flow of good and people between China and Kazakhstan. He also met with the local leadership and discussed how this dry port had developed into sixth generation crossing point for people and goods. Both sides also discussed ways to carry out exchanges and collaboration to draw upon the good practices of Khorgos dry port for its potential application in the Khunjerab dry port between Pakistan and China. The Ambassador is currently in Xinjiang, China for an official visit. During his visit to the dry port, Ambassador Hashmi was briefed on how technology-driven operations of the customs and immigration authorities at Khorgos had led to efficient, uninterrupted movement of people and goods. Among other things, it was informed that cargo trucks could be customs cleared in 25-30 minutes due to integration of technology and the two way volume of trade had increased 46 % in 2025 year-on-year basis. The Ambassador was also briefed on the successful operation of the duty free border market spread over an area of 5.8 square kilometres where citizens of China and Kazakhstan as well as third countries could enter and shop duty free. The Ambassador and local authorities decided to maintain contact to promote exchanges and study visits to explore the possibility of replicating this successful model for Pakistan's border markets with its friendly neighbors. Ambassador's visit comes in the wake of several measures taken in recent years by both Pakistan and China to upgrade the land border infrastructure between the two countries. In December 2024, the two sides have launched the year round operation of Khunjerab pass. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pak envoy to China visits Khorgos Free Trade Zone, Cooperation Centre
BEIJING: Pakistan's envoy to China Ambassador Khalil Hashmi paid a detailed visit to Khorgos Free Trade Zone in northern Xinjiang. This zone offers a unique triad of advantages as China's busiest dry port, border gate and cooperation Centre serving as an ideal bridge for the free flow of good and people between China and Kazakhstan. He also met with the local leadership and discussed how this dry port had developed into sixth generation crossing point for people and goods. Both sides also discussed ways to carry out exchanges and collaboration to draw upon the good practices of Khorgos dry port for its potential application in the Khunjerab dry port between Pakistan and China. The Ambassador is currently in Xinjiang, China for an official visit. During his visit to the dry port, Ambassador Hashmi was briefed on how technology-driven operations of the customs and immigration authorities at Khorgos had led to efficient, uninterrupted movement of people and goods. Among other things, it was informed that cargo trucks could be customs cleared in 25-30 minutes due to integration of technology and the two way volume of trade had increased 46 % in 2025 year-on-year basis. The Ambassador was also briefed on the successful operation of the duty free border market spread over an area of 5.8 square kilometres where citizens of China and Kazakhstan as well as third countries could enter and shop duty free. The Ambassador and local authorities decided to maintain contact to promote exchanges and study visits to explore the possibility of replicating this successful model for Pakistan's border markets with its friendly neighbors. Ambassador's visit comes in the wake of several measures taken in recent years by both Pakistan and China to upgrade the land border infrastructure between the two countries. In December 2024, the two sides have launched the year round operation of Khunjerab pass. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sesame seed exports to China hit $49 million
Listen to article Pakistan's sesame seed exports to China have soared to unprecedented levels, reaching nearly $49 million between January and April 2025. This surge marks a major milestone in the growing agricultural trade between the two countries. Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, credited the growth to domestic innovation and China's rising demand for quality imports. He praised the contributions of local research institutions, such as the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) and its Oilseeds Research Institute (ORI) team, for driving productivity through improved seed varieties and advanced farming techniques. "While supply-side developments such as improved seed varieties and research-led farming techniques have played a vital role, it is China's growing consumer demand, preference for high-quality imports, and competitive pricing that are driving this record-setting trend," he said. Pakistan's rise in China's sesame import market has been dramatic. In 2019, it ranked 14th with $4.6 million in exports. By 2024, it climbed to third by value at $226.53 million, and second by volume, with 177,640 tonnes exported. From January to April 2025, exports hit 38,828 tonnes, valued at $48.58 million, a 337% year-on-year increase. Gopal Khamuani, Chairman of Pakistan Sesame Exporters Association, cited Pakistan's advantage in average export price at $1,300 per tonne, fast 1520 day transit via sea and land, and 510 day processing times. Hashmi outlined a strategic roadmap to deepen trade ties through better seed quality, value-added processing, expanded e-commerce, and joint ventures. "Our goal must be to move beyond raw exports and tap into China's booming sesame-based product market, valued between $4.7 and $9.5 billion annually," he said. He also highlighted key initiatives, including the September 2024 trade event that secured $28 million in deals and registration of 177 Pakistani sesame companies in China. "Our sesame trade with China is more than an export story - it's a blueprint for shared prosperity," Hashmi concluded.
