PCJCCI urges Pakistani govt to boost honey export with Chinese help

Islamabad: Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has urged the Pakistani government to seek Chinese help to boost honey export.

PCJCCI President Moazzam Ghurk highlighted the potential for certified Pakistani honey to significantly increase in value, thereby boosting its export to other nations.

Ghurki emphasized that although Pakistani honey currently sells for USD 20-25 per kilogram, its value could triple to USD 100 per kilogram through international packaging.

He suggested the establishment of laboratories, certification systems, and effective management policies as means to enhance the industry and seek Chinese help in this regard.

During a think-tank session at the PCJCCI Secretariat, Ghurki underscored the need to upgrade Pakistan’s honey industry, claiming that Pakistani honey is not only more affordable but also tastier than New Zealand’s, despite the latter’s international certification.

He proposed the creation of internationally recognized modern laboratories and large-scale honey processing plants, citing China’s advanced technology in filtration and packaging as a potential model for Pakistan.

PCJCCI Senior Vice President Fang Yulong expressed China’s willingness to share honey production and processing technology with Pakistan, emphasizing advanced methods such as honey raw material processing, filtration, sterilization, and temperature control. Yulong suggested that if Pakistan’s beekeeping industry receives government support and develops rapidly, its propolis could become attractive to the Chinese market.

Vice President Hamza Khalid shared statistics from the National Bank of Pakistan, indicating that from July to November 2020, Pakistan exported USD 6.351 million worth of natural honey, with a significant portion going to Saudi Arabia. He stressed the unanimous decision within the Pakistani industry to establish a large-scale honey laboratory with international certification, aiming to open doors to high-end markets like Europe.

Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif proposed collaboration with Chinese companies to leverage China’s refined certification system and laboratory infrastructure, paving the way for the swift implementation of Pakistani honey laboratories.

He mentioned that with export certification, Pakistan’s current honey production of 20,000 tons could potentially increase further.