China Pavilion at FoodAG Expo drives agricultural innovation

China Pavilion at FoodAG Expo drives agricultural innovation while signifying strengthening cooperation between China and Pakistan.

The China Pavilion at the FoodAg Manufacturing Expo, held in Lahore from February 26 to 28, highlighted the deepening cooperation between Chinese enterprises and Pakistan’s agricultural industry. Around 15 Chinese companies participated, showcasing advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable solutions designed to modernize Pakistan’s farming and livestock sectors.

One of the key exhibitors, Royal JW Foods—a China-Pakistan joint venture established in 2024—focuses on developing the buffalo industry, promoting disease-free farming, and enhancing dairy processing. The company has already taken significant steps by exporting concentrated buffalo milk to China. “In February 2025, we successfully shipped our first batch of products to China, specifically designed for the local market,” said Derek Qin, CEO of Royal JW Foods. He added that the company plans to introduce more high-value buffalo milk products, including yogurt, cheese, and butter.

Beyond the Chinese market, Royal JW Foods is looking to expand its reach to other regions. “This expo has given us the opportunity to explore markets in the Middle East and North Africa. We envision Pakistan as a production hub, gradually distributing our products to more Muslim-majority countries,” Qin stated. During the event, the company engaged with potential buyers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, who showed interest in their 100% buffalo milk products. “They were particularly impressed with the taste and have requested samples for trial sales in Dubai and other locations,” he added.

In addition to exports, the company is also working on strengthening its presence in the local Pakistani market by collaborating with retail chains to develop specialized buffalo milk products. “We aim to expand our buffalo farming operations by implementing a company-plus-farmer model, ensuring a scalable and quality-controlled milk supply,” Qin explained.

Another major participant at the China Pavilion, Shijiazhuang Han Geng Ltd, is focusing on integrating smart farming technologies into Pakistan’s livestock industry. The company is introducing cloud-based data management, optimized breeding techniques, and efficient feeding solutions. “Pakistan has a strong agricultural and livestock-based economy, but there is enormous untapped potential,” said Andy Liao, CEO of Shijiazhuang Han Geng Ltd.

Agriculture contributes 24% to Pakistan’s GDP and employs 37.4% of the workforce, playing a crucial role in food security and providing raw materials for industries. Livestock alone accounts for approximately 60.84% of the agricultural value addition and 14.63% of the national GDP in FY2024, as reported in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-2024. However, challenges such as low productivity, outdated technology, and inadequate infrastructure have hindered its full potential.

“By implementing smart technologies and improving labor efficiency, Pakistan’s agricultural productivity can experience substantial growth. The response at this expo has been overwhelmingly positive, with farmers and industry stakeholders eager to adopt modern farming techniques,” Liao noted.

To facilitate knowledge exchange, Shijiazhuang Han Geng Ltd is organizing study tours for Pakistani farmers and industry professionals. “In March, we will send our first delegation to China to receive training from Dong’e Group on advanced breeding techniques. These tours will focus on improving animal health, enhancing product quality, and promoting scientific farming practices,” Liao said. The company intends to send four delegations annually, each comprising over 10 participants from academia, supply chains, and government agencies.