TDAP flags China as a fresh growth avenue for Pakistan’s maize exports after the approval of phytosanitary requirements. It urges compliance with traceability and regulations to regain market access and reverse export declines.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has identified China as a key market for expanding Pakistan’s maize exports, urging growers and exporters to meet the country’s strict phytosanitary, traceability and enterprise registration requirements to secure long-term access.
The emphasis follows China’s recent approval of the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Maize exported from Pakistan, a development TDAP says could help diversify exports beyond Pakistan’s traditional markets of Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia and Afghanistan.
Speaking during a series of awareness seminars, TDAP Director General (Agro and Food Division) Athar Hussain Khokhar said the Chinese market presents a significant opportunity for the country’s maize sector, particularly as exports have declined sharply since reaching $421.22 million in 2023-24 due largely to non-compliant shipments.
To prepare the sector for the new opportunity, TDAP, in collaboration with the Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides Wing of the Punjab Agriculture Department, organised a five-day seminar series on Export Promotion and Good Agricultural Practices for Sesame Seeds and Maize from July 27 to 31, 2026.
The programme was held in Okara, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Vehari, and Layyah, covering Punjab’s major production belt. Besides growers and exporters, agriculture extension officials also received technical training so they can transfer best practices to farmers and improve compliance with international export standards.
The technical sessions focused on improving crop quality from harvest to storage. Experts advised harvesting maize only after full maturity, immediately threshing and drying the crop to safe moisture levels, cooling produce before storage, maintaining clean and well-ventilated storage facilities with proper aeration, and implementing integrated pest management together with responsible pesticide use to comply with maximum residue limits required by importing countries.
Reference Link:- https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/08/02/china-market-offers-fresh-growth-avenue-for-pakistan-maize-exports-tdap