（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
Agriculture has long been the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Contributing nearly 23% to the national GDP and employing over 37% of the labor force, the sector is not only a source of livelihood for millions but also a vital pillar for food security and rural development. In recent years, a promising trend has emerged: Pakistan’s agricultural exports are gaining visible traction, particularly in the Chinese market. This development holds transformative potential for narrowing the bilateral trade imbalance and revitalizing Pakistan’s economy.
China: An Unmatched Market Opportunity
China is often viewed as the “world’s factory,” being the largest exporter globally. Yet, what many overlook is that it is also one of the largest importers, especially of food and agricultural products. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a per capita GDP of over USD 12,000, China’s middle class is expanding rapidly. This demographic shift is boosting consumption, quality awareness, and demand for imported food products.
Today, China boasts the world’s highest purchasing power parity (PPP), exceeding USD 33 trillion (IMF, 2024). The average Chinese consumer, particularly in urban centers, demonstrates a willingness to pay premium prices for high-quality, traceable, and safe agricultural goods. Global brands from Europe, the United States, and even Southeast Asia enjoy robust demand in Chinese cities — a clear indication that market success in China hinges more on quality than price.
This context presents a golden opportunity for Pakistani exporters.
A Promising Start: Pakistan’s Agri-Exports to China
Pakistan has made commendable strides in entering the Chinese market with its agricultural produce. According to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, bilateral agricultural trade between Pakistan and China exceeded USD 1.34 billion in 2023, showing double-digit growth from the previous year.
Several Pakistani products have started to gain popularity:
• Mangoes: Often referred to as the “king of fruits,” Pakistani mangoes are celebrated for their aroma and sweetness. In 2023, over 6,000 metric tons were exported to China, mainly via air cargo to preserve freshness.
• Cherries and Oranges: Pakistani kinnow mandarins and fresh cherries have found a niche market, especially in southern Chinese provinces.
• Dry Fruits: Pine nuts (chilgoza) from northern Pakistan are highly sought after in China. Pakistan exported pine nuts worth USD 58 million to China in 2023, making it the top destination for this high-value product.
• Sesame Seeds: This commodity has emerged as a strong performer, with exports increasing over 200% in the past three years. In 2023, Pakistan exported sesame seeds worth over USD 120 million to China.
• Red Chilies: Valued for their deep red color and unique pungency, Pakistani red chilies are increasingly used in Chinese hot-pot cuisine, enhancing culinary value.
• Rice: Pakistan’s Basmati and non-Basmati rice are well-liked in China for their aroma and cooking quality. Around 500,000 metric tons of rice were exported in 2023.
• Beef: After years of negotiation, Pakistan’s beef recently gained market access to China, signaling the beginning of another lucrative avenue.
• Donkey Meat: One of the most recent developments is the expected export of donkey meat from Pakistan to China. While unconventional in Pakistan, donkey meat is considered a delicacy and a high-demand product in several parts of China, especially for traditional medicines and culinary uses. The export of processed and value-added donkey meat products offers Pakistan an untapped niche market. With proper breeding, veterinary care, and processing facilities, this emerging segment could open a new chapter in Pakistan’s livestock export industry.
These developments are particularly significant as they help address the chronic trade imbalance that has historically favored China. In 2023, Pakistan’s trade deficit with China stood at around USD 13 billion. By expanding agricultural exports, Pakistan is now taking a step in the right direction.
The Potential of Pakistan’s Agriculture
Pakistan is blessed with diverse agro-climatic zones, fertile plains, and an extensive irrigation system. It produces a variety of crops, fruits, and livestock products with competitive advantages in natural flavor, organic production, and low labor costs.
Yet, despite this potential, only a fraction of Pakistan’s agricultural produce is export-oriented. Post-harvest losses, inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, lack of international certifications, and weak branding prevent Pakistani agri-products from reaching their full export potential.
However, with the right strategies, this can be changed.
Recommendations for Boosting Agricultural Exports to China
Invest in Value Addition and Packaging
Most of Pakistan’s agricultural exports are in raw or semi-processed form. Investing in value-added products such as dried fruits, fruit pulps, spice blends, frozen foods, and processed meats (like donkey meat) will enhance export earnings and shelf life.
Enhance Product Quality and Compliance
Chinese consumers place a premium on quality, safety, and traceability. Exporters must adopt internationally recognized certifications like GlobalG.A.P, HACCP, and ISO standards to meet Chinese import requirements and consumer expectations.
Develop Cold Chains and Logistics
To preserve freshness and reduce losses, investment in cold storage facilities, refrigerated transport, and efficient logistics is essential. Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in building this infrastructure.
Market Intelligence and Promotion
Pakistani exporters need detailed knowledge of Chinese consumer trends, regional preferences, and distribution channels. Trade expos, digital marketing, and brand promotion can create visibility and trust.
Strengthen Agri-Research and Extension
New seed varieties, modern irrigation methods, and crop protection techniques can significantly enhance yields and quality. Institutions like PARC and provincial agricultural universities must be better funded and aligned with market-driven goals.
Simplify Export Procedures and Offer Incentives
The government should streamline export documentation, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and offer targeted subsidies or tax breaks for certified exporters to encourage competitiveness.
Utilize CPEC Agri-Cooperation
Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), several agri-cooperation initiatives are underway, including agricultural demonstration zones and technology transfer projects. These should be accelerated and expanded.
Agriculture’s Role in Reviving the Economy
In an economy struggling with fiscal deficits, external debt, and currency depreciation, agriculture offers a ray of hope. It is labor-intensive, has low gestation periods, and creates linkages across various sectors — from transportation to retail. Enhancing export-oriented agriculture can generate much-needed foreign exchange, create rural employment, and foster inclusive growth.
If Pakistan succeeds in capitalizing on China’s demand and purchasing power, agricultural exports alone could contribute an additional USD 3–5 billion annually within the next five years — a substantial cushion for the country’s balance of payments.
Summary
The future of Pakistan’s agricultural exports is bright — if guided by strategic planning, quality assurance, and infrastructure development. China is not just a trading partner; it is a high-value market willing to pay top dollar for quality and reliability.
Pakistani entrepreneurs must move beyond the traditional mindset of bulk exports and embrace branding, innovation, and research. The government, in turn, must support this transformation with conducive policies and long-term planning.
The Chinese market is open and welcoming. It is now up to Pakistan to seize this opportunity — not just to sell products, but to build lasting economic resilience through agriculture.
农业长期以来一直是巴基斯坦经济的支柱。农业部门贡献了近23%的国内生产总值，雇用了37%以上的劳动力，不仅是数百万人的生计来源，也是粮食安全和农村发展的重要支柱。近年来，出现了一个可喜的趋势：巴基斯坦的农产品出口正在获得明显的牵引力，特别是在中国市场。这一发展具有缩小双边贸易不平衡和振兴巴基斯坦经济的变革性潜力。
中国：无与伦比的市场机遇
中国经常被视为“世界工厂”，是全球最大的出口国。然而，许多人忽视的是，中国也是最大的进口国之一，尤其是食品和农产品进口国。中国人口超过14亿，人均GDP超过1.2万美元，中产阶级正在迅速壮大。这种人口结构的转变促进了消费、质量意识和对进口食品的需求。
今天，中国拥有世界上最高的购买力平价（PPP），超过33万亿美元（IMF， 2024年）。普通的中国消费者，特别是城市中心的消费者，愿意为高质量、可追溯和安全的农产品支付更高的价格。来自欧洲、美国甚至东南亚的国际品牌在中国城市都有强劲的需求——这清楚地表明，中国市场的成功更多地取决于质量而不是价格。
这一背景为巴基斯坦出口商提供了一个黄金机会。
一个充满希望的开端：巴基斯坦对华农产品出口
巴基斯坦农产品进入中国市场取得了可喜进展。根据中华人民共和国海关总署的数据，2023年中巴双边农业贸易额超过13.4亿美元，同比增长两位数。
一些巴基斯坦产品已经开始受到欢迎：
•芒果：巴基斯坦芒果通常被称为“水果之王”，以其香气和甜味而闻名。2023年，出口到中国的香蕉超过6000吨，主要是空运，以保持新鲜。
•樱桃和橙子：巴基斯坦的柑橘和新鲜樱桃已经找到了一个利基市场，尤其是在中国南方省份。
干果：来自巴基斯坦北部的松子（chilgoza）在中国很受欢迎。2023年，巴基斯坦向中国出口了价值5800万美元的松子，使中国成为这种高价值产品的最大目的地。
•芝麻：这种商品表现强劲，过去三年出口增长超过200%。2023年，巴基斯坦向中国出口的芝麻价值超过1.2亿美元。
•红辣椒：巴基斯坦红辣椒因其深红色和独特的辛辣味而受到重视，越来越多地用于中国火锅菜肴，提高了烹饪价值。
•大米：巴基斯坦的巴斯玛蒂和非巴斯玛蒂大米因其香气和烹饪质量而在中国广受欢迎。2023年出口了约50万吨大米。
•牛肉：经过多年的谈判，巴基斯坦的牛肉最近获准进入中国市场，标志着另一条有利可图的途径的开始。
•驴肉：最近的发展之一是预计巴基斯坦将向中国出口驴肉。虽然驴肉在巴基斯坦是非常规的，但在中国的一些地方，驴肉被认为是一种美味，也是一种高需求的产品，尤其是在传统医药和烹饪方面。出口加工和增值的驴肉产品为巴基斯坦提供了一个尚未开发的利基市场。有了适当的饲养、兽医护理和加工设施，这一新兴部分可以为巴基斯坦的牲畜出口行业翻开新的篇章。
这些发展尤其重要，因为它们有助于解决长期以来有利于中国的贸易不平衡问题。2023年，巴基斯坦对华贸易逆差约为130亿美元。通过扩大农产品出口，巴基斯坦正朝着正确的方向迈出一步。
巴基斯坦农业的潜力
巴基斯坦有多样的农业气候带、肥沃的平原和广泛的灌溉系统。在天然风味、有机生产、低劳动力成本等方面具有竞争优势的多种农作物、水果、畜产品。
然而，尽管有这种潜力，巴基斯坦的农产品中只有一小部分是面向出口的。收获后损失、冷链基础设施不足、缺乏国际认证以及品牌薄弱阻碍了巴基斯坦农产品充分发挥其出口潜力。
然而，通过正确的策略，这是可以改变的。
促进农产品对华出口的建议
投资于增值和包装
巴基斯坦出口的大部分农产品都是未经加工或半加工的。投资于干果、果浆、香料混合物、冷冻食品和加工肉类（如驴肉）等增值产品将提高出口收入和保质期。
提高产品质量和合规性
中国消费者非常重视产品的质量、安全性和可追溯性。出口商必须采用国际认可的认证，如globalap P、HACCP和ISO标准，以满足中国的进口要求和消费者的期望。
发展冷链和物流
为了保持新鲜度和减少损失，对冷藏设施、冷藏运输和高效物流的投资是必不可少的。公私伙伴关系可以在建设这一基础设施方面发挥至关重要的作用。
市场情报和推广
巴基斯坦出口商需要详细了解中国的消费趋势、地区偏好和分销渠道。贸易展览会、数字营销和品牌推广可以创造知名度和信任。
加强农业研究和推广
新的种子品种、现代灌溉方法和作物保护技术可以显著提高产量和质量。像帕洛阿尔托研究中心和省级农业大学这样的机构必须得到更好的资助，并与市场驱动的目标保持一致。
简化出口程序并提供激励措施
政府应该简化出口文件，减少官僚主义的繁文缛节，并为获得认证的出口商提供有针对性的补贴或税收减免，以鼓励竞争力。
利用中巴经济走廊农业合作
在中巴经济走廊框架下，包括农业示范区和技术转移项目在内的若干农业合作倡议正在实施。这些应该加快和扩大。
农业在振兴经济中的作用
在一个与财政赤字、外债和货币贬值作斗争的经济体中，农业提供了一线希望。它是劳动密集型的，孕育期短，并建立了从运输到零售等各个部门之间的联系。加强出口导向型农业可以创造急需的外汇，创造农村就业，促进包容性增长。
如果巴基斯坦成功地利用中国的需求和购买力，仅农业出口就可以在未来五年内每年额外贡献30 – 50亿美元，这是该国国际收支的一个重要缓冲。
总结
如果在战略规划、质量保证和基础设施发展的指导下，巴基斯坦农业出口的未来是光明的。中国不仅是一个贸易伙伴；这是一个高价值的市场，愿意为质量和可靠性支付高价。
巴基斯坦企业家必须超越大宗出口的传统思维，拥抱品牌、创新和研究。反过来，政府必须通过有利的政策和长期规划来支持这种转变。
中国市场是开放的、欢迎的。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://minutemirror.com.pk/pakistans-agricultural-exports-unlocking-chinese-market-for-economic-revival-386967/