ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is working to expand its agricultural and food exports to China and identify new high-potential product categories, state news agency APP reported on Sunday, citing the country’s Shanghai deputy consul general at the 7th China International Import Expo which ends today, Monday. 

Pakistan and China maintain a deep economic partnership under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with Beijing serving as Islamabad’s largest trading partner in goods. However, Pakistan’s exports to China remain concentrated in a small number of agricultural and seafood products, and policymakers have sought to broaden the export base to improve trade balance and value addition.

The remarks came as Pakistan participated in the 7th CIIE, a flagship event launched by Beijing in 2018 to expand imports and global market access for developing-country suppliers.

“We currently export five major products to China, including rice, sesame seeds, seafood, fruits and vegetables, as well as boiled beef and dry fruits,” Pakistan’s Deputy Consul General in Shanghai, Muhammad Atif, told China Economic Net, according to APP. 

“However, several other sectors hold tremendous potential, such as maize, chicken feet, and others, where protocols are in the final stages.”

Pakistan’s participation in this year’s expo includes 20 enterprises represented by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), alongside independently participating private companies, the report said. Atif noted that although the official pavilion area is limited, companies continue to invest in their presence due to the scale and commercial significance of the CIIE platform.

Two Pakistani firms — Hemani Herbal and Winza — were highlighted as among the strong commercial performers from previous CIIE editions. Hemani Herbal exports natural and herbal products to over 85 countries, with a catalog of more than 1,800 health and wellness products, APP reported.

“At CIIE, companies like Hemani and Winza have shown how Pakistani brands can compete globally through quality, innovation, and branding,” Atif said. 

“We are confident that many more success stories will follow, as Pakistan continues to diversify its exports and deepen agricultural cooperation with China.”

The expo, held annually in Shanghai, draws thousands of foreign exhibitors, global buyers and food-sector importers and is a core part of China’s strategy to promote import-driven growth and market opening.