China seeks long-term mineral, agri imports from Pakistan

China is exploring long-term commodity procurement and sector-specific investment partnerships with Pakistan across mining, agriculture, textiles, and value-added exports, as Islamabad seeks to deepen economic cooperation with Beijing and diversify its export base.

The development came during a series of high-level business engagements held between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and leading Chinese firms during his official visit to China.

The meetings aimed to strengthen bilateral trade, attract investment, and expand Pakistan’s export footprint across priority sectors, including textiles, agriculture, mining, chemicals, e-commerce, and food processing, read an official statement on Monday.

As part of these engagements, the minister met senior representatives of eight prominent Chinese companies to explore concrete avenues for sectoral collaboration and long-term commercial partnerships between the two countries.

In a meeting with Bob Zhou of Zhong Heng Textile, the discussion focused on yarn imports, enhancing Pakistan’s cottonseed quality through advanced Chinese technology, and expanding cooperation in the textile sector.

Jam Kamal highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic location and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating long-term Chinese investment in productive sectors.

During discussions with Caterina Tao of Fortune Tech, both sides explored opportunities in organic products, seed development, and technology-driven quality enhancement, with emphasis on improving agricultural productivity and strengthening value-added textile production.

Jam Kamal also met representatives of Shanghai Zhongken Xinshen Technology, where discussions centred on integrated mining sector collaboration, exploration opportunities, financing mechanisms, and the adoption of international operational standards to unlock Pakistan’s mineral potential and create sustainable value chains.

In his meeting with Nanjing Jinshan Chemical Technology, the minister discussed expanding exports of Pakistani copper, lead-zinc, iron ore, guar gum, and sugar. The Chinese company expressed interest in establishing long-term procurement arrangements, which could contribute to enhanced mineral and commodity exports from Pakistan.

Engagement with Shanghai Pingyuan-Tech focused on strengthening digital trade cooperation, enhancing e-commerce connectivity, and improving trade information systems through coordination with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to facilitate greater access for Pakistani exporters to the Chinese market.

In discussions with AHCOF Neochains Holdings, both sides reviewed opportunities in the sesame trade, with particular focus on quality assurance, moisture management, and ensuring reliable long-term supply arrangements.

Jam Kamal assured facilitation for follow-up institutional engagement with the Trade Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

Meeting with Chairman Shi Wei of Zhejiang Grain, Oil and Food, the Minister discussed expanding exports of competitively priced Pakistani agricultural products to meet growing Chinese market demand, while highlighting Pakistan’s capacity to deliver quality agri-commodities.

In a separate meeting with Shanghai Hede Food, discussions explored cooperation in Pakistan’s beef and poultry sectors, including prospects for market access and supply chain collaboration to facilitate exports of Pakistani meat products to China.