Pak exporters open new trade channels in China

By Our Correspondent
August 22, 2024

Containers are loaded onto trucks at the seaport terminal DIT Duisburg Intermodal Terminal at the Duisburg harbour, on July 13, 2023. — AFP
Containers are loaded onto trucks at the seaport terminal DIT Duisburg Intermodal Terminal at the Duisburg harbour, on July 13, 2023. — AFP

KARACHI: A recent visit by a 23-member delegation of Pakistani sesame exporters to Beijing and Handan in Hebei rovince, China, marked a pivotal moment in enhancing trade relations between Pakistan and China in the sesame industry.

The trip, concluded on August 19, featured the Pakistan-China B2B Sesame Conference held at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. An analyst from SCI Group presented a comprehensive overview of sesame demand and supply trends in China, including price fluctuations.

The conference was attended by representatives from 19 prominent Chinese enterprises such as COFCO, Beijing Capital Agribusiness and Foods Group, Jingliang Holdings, Hebei Grain Group, and Zhuochuang Consulting Co, Ltd.

Following the conference, the delegation engaged in over 100 B2B meetings with Chinese firms, revealing a keen interest in sourcing sesame seeds from Pakistan. These interactions fostered valuable exchanges and opened doors to potential collaborations.

On August 20, the delegation travelled to Daming County in Handan City -- a key hub for sesame consumption in China, accounting for 20 per cent of the nation’s imports with an annual intake exceeding 200,000 MT. Despite current imports from Ethiopia, Mozambique, India, and other countries, Pakistani sesame has a minimal presence. The visit provided a crucial opportunity to introduce Pakistani sesame to new importers and explore expansion possibilities.

The delegation toured four leading factories in Daming County: Jing Xinquan Sesame Oil, Wudelli Flour, Daming Fu Sesame Oil, and Taidu Group. Subsequently, a B2B seminar organized by the Daming County government facilitated discussions between Pakistani delegates and representatives from the top 10 Chinese companies.

The seminar, led by Wang Pei from the Daming County government, focused on key aspects such as pricing, quantity, quality, and flavour preferences for Pakistani sesame.Discussions between the commercial counsellor, Pakistani enterprises, and Chinese officials led to a preliminary agreement to support Pakistani sesame exports through the development of a warehousing facility in Daming County’s industrial zone. This early-stage agreement highlights China’s commitment to boosting imports of Pakistani sesame.