LAHORE: Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has expressed strong interest in enhancing Pakistan’s honey exports to China by introducing international certification standards and modern processing technology.
During a think-tank session held here at PCJCCI Secretariat on Thursday, the joint chamber’s President Nazir Hussain highlighted the untapped potential of Pakistan’s honey market and emphasized the urgent need for reform and modernization.
Currently, he cited, Pakistani honey is sold for only USD 20–25 per kilogram, but with proper certification and international packaging, this can rise to USD 100 per kilogram. “Despite its superior taste and affordability compared to globally recognized brands like New Zealand’s, our honey lacks certification, which limits its export potential,” he argued.
He called for the establishment of internationally accredited laboratories and large-scale processing facilities to bring Pakistan’s honey sector up to global standards. “China, being the world’s largest honey producer and exporter, can be an invaluable partner in transferring advanced filtration and packaging technology to Pakistan,” he added.
PCJCCI Senior Vice President Brig. (Retd.) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh confirmed China’s readiness to assist Pakistan in upgrading its honey production infrastructure. Chinese companies are willing to share expertise in honey processing technologies such as filtration, sterilization, and temperature control. With government backing, Pakistan’s honey industry could meet the moisture and quality standards required by the Chinese market, he said.
PCJCCI Vice President Zafar Iqbal cited National Bank of Pakistan data showing that Pakistan exported USD 6.351 million worth of natural honey from July to November 2020, with Saudi Arabia being the top importer. He emphasized that with international certification, Pakistan could target high-value markets including Europe.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI, stated that China’s robust certification and lab infrastructure provides a model for Pakistan. Joint ventures with Chinese companies can fast-track the establishment of modern testing labs, enhancing both production and export capacity. Pakistan currently produces 20,000 tons of honey annually, and stakeholders believe that certified exports could significantly increase this figure.
