Pakistan is working to reach an export target of 10,000 tonnes of sesame seeds to China in 2025 during agricultural cooperation Initiatives related to the China-Pakistani economic corridor. Officials and industry representatives say the efforts are supported by contract breeding projects, technology transfer and infrastructure improvements performed with Chinese assistance.
China Machinery Engineering Corporation has expanded Sesame Farming to approx. 5,000 hectares in Pakistan. The company has introduced modern agricultural practices, provided education to farmers and implemented quality standards to ensure consistency in production. This collaboration is intended to strengthen the Sesame supply chain and prepare farmers to meet the growing demand of Chinese buyers.
Pakistan’s sesame exports to China have shown rapid growth in recent years. By 2024, trade was appreciated at about $ 226 million. Officials predict that exports could continue to rise sharply in the coming years, as Chinese demand for sesame products, including cooking oil and health foods, remains strong. Some estimates suggest that Pakistan’s total agricultural exports to China could reach more than $ 20 billion in the long term, whose cooperation under the belt and the road initiative continues to expand.
Read: Sesame seed exports to China hit $ 49 million
Analysts say that contract breeding gives farmers greater stability by ensuring access to buyers and guidance on cultivation practices. Research institutions in both countries have tested sesame varieties suitable for local soil and climate conditions. Improved seeds, fertilizer use and pest management are highlighted as key elements for improving yield and maintenance of export quality.
At the same time, challenges remain. Extreme weather events and floods may interfere with planting or reduce output in some areas. There are also concerns about whether all farmers will be able to adopt modern practices quickly. Fulfilling the quality and phytosanitarian standards required for Chinese markets is considered important to maintain trading conditions.
China’s demand for sesame is significant, with imports over a million tonnes annually. Pakistan because of its geographical proximity and expanding production base places itself as a reliable supplier. Reaching the 2025 goal of 10,000 tonnes would represent an important step in strengthening bilateral trading tapes and improving the farmer’s incomes. Officials believe that the initiative highlights the broader potential of CPEC-driven agricultural cooperation for Pakistan’s economy.
Read more: Sesame seed exports to china surge 180%
Pakistan’s agricultural exports to China have been increasing recently. Rice exports to China registered robust growth in the first eight months of 2025 and increased about 70% years to year, according to data from the general administration of China.
From January to August, Pakistan exported rice worth $ 44.31 million to China compared to $ 26.30 million in the same period last year, marking an increase of 68.5%.
An official from Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce said a significant contributor to this increase was semi-or-fully ground rice (HS code 10063020) who fetched $ 33.67 million by 2025, compared to just $ 5.63 million in the corresponding period of 2024. Broken rice export also performed strongly to $ 7.71 million.
Analysts note that the growing demand for Pakistani rice reflects its strong competitiveness in terms of quality, taste and pricing. Improved relief according to the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and closer cooperation between exporters and importers has further accelerated the momentum.
However, Dynamic Engineering & Automation founder and CEO Owais Mir China’s economic network said recent floods had caused significant damage to agriculture, which could have a negative impact on export volumes in the coming months.
