Value addition essential to expand exports to China: FPCCI

SHANGHAI: Pakistan will not be able to significantly change the composition of its exports to China without focused investment in value-added production, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said during a meeting with Consul General Shahzad Ahmed in Shanghai, according to a statement issued on Monday.

The discussion centred on ways to improve Pakistan’s export profile in the Chinese market, with both sides agreeing that the agriculture and food sectors offer substantial opportunities. They said these sectors require investment in processing, packaging and quality control to unlock their potential.

Magoon said moving away from the export of raw products towards value-added goods would require fresh capital in cold chain systems, certification laboratories and branding. He also underlined the need to improve packaging and quality standards, describing them as immediate requirements for making Pakistani products more competitive in China.

Focus on agriculture, food and technology

According to the statement, the meeting also reviewed prospects for information technology exports and software development partnerships. Progress in these areas depends on continued investment in digital infrastructure and technology parks.

The two sides also discussed the Naphtha Cracker Plant project, for which a memorandum of understanding was signed last year. The project has encountered delays because of financing issues on the Chinese side, the statement said.

Both sides stressed the need to address those obstacles without delay. The consul general assured full support in facilitating Pakistani businesses seeking Chinese investment for value-added ventures.

The statement said the meeting reflected a shared view that Pakistan’s export growth in China would depend not only on increasing volumes, but also on improving the quality and value of goods being offered. In that context, agriculture, food processing and technology were highlighted as areas where targeted investment could help create stronger commercial linkages.

Better processing capacity, stronger branding and compliance with quality benchmarks would be necessary if Pakistani exporters are to improve their position in the Chinese market. The consul general’s assurance of support was presented as part of efforts to help connect Pakistani businesses with Chinese investors interested in value-added sectors.