Dairy industry: PCJCCI underlines Pakistan, China cooperation

LAHORE: Cooperation between China and Pakistan on dairy industry and multifarious demands for high-quality dairy products in China would provide a contemporary path of development for Pakistan’s domestic dairy sector, stated by Moazzam Ghurki, President Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) during a think tank session held at PCJCCI Secretariat today.

He said that Pakistan is among the world’s top five largest milk producers, with over 60 million tonnes of milk production each year. Such ventures and exports could definitely add value to Pakistan’s economy.

He added that China learned that Pakistan is the most important exporter and producer of dairy products in South Asia. Chinese technologies are low-priced, and if we adopt the techniques and technology used by China, Pakistan can flourish in this industry.

Fang Yulong, Senior Vice President PCJCCI shared his views by saying that we are willing to explore more about Pakistani dairy industry to see if we have the opportunity to be part of it. From 2011 to 2023, China’s dairy imports rose at a compound annual growth of 12.3 percent, and the demand is still expanding. Milk powder, liquid milk, high value-added dairy products such as whey, cheese, butter and cream are also in high demand in the Chinese market.

Hamza Khalid, Vice President PCJCCI said that currently China’s dairy imports mainly come from New Zealand (40.44 percent), the Netherlands (17.15 percent) and Australia (7.38 percent). Our government should support this industry to boost export and domestic production, especially to control the adulteration of loose milk.

He further added that the local farmers were facing many problems, such as a lack of education, latest storage facilities, transfer of milk, and cold storage, and to get rid of these, the government should come forward to train and educate farmers about modern technology.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI added that animal husbandry was one of the pillar industries in Pakistan, “specifically, Balochistan, where Gwadar Port under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is located”. Balochistan has the unique advantages of breeding beef cattle and dairy cows and if the industrial chain of China can be extended to Pakistan, it is expected to achieve win-win outcomes for the dairy industry of both countries.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023