“In the near future, more Chinese Halal food will be seen in Pakistani supermarkets”, said Ma Zhijun, Director of Halal Food Committee, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Sichuan (CCPIT Sichuan) on a training seminar on Pakistani food market access held Thursday online.
Pakistan Halal Authority, Peshawar Customs, and dozens of Chinese food companies participated in the seminar, which is sponsored by the South Asian (Chengdu) Standardization Research Center and Chengdu Institute of Standardization.
Among the Halal food in Pakistan, 70% are imported, mainly from Iran and Malaysia. “In the past, Chinese food in Pakistan is mostly seen in local Chinese supermarkets and restaurants. But in the future, more Pakistani consumers will get a taste of it. A leading convenience food supplier in Sichuan is set to export its products to Pakistan. Halal food will also be provided at the Summer World University Games held in Chengdu next year”, Ma introduced.
Pakistani and Chinese people share some preferences in terms of food. For example, Sichuan food features spicy flavor, which exactly meets the preference of Pakistani people. Hot pot condiments, rice crusts, instant noodles, and pickles, all widely consumed in China, are also warmly welcome in previous exhibitions staged in Pakistan.
“Consuls at the Pakistani Consulate General in Chengdu, China love Sichuan food”, said Ma.
Lack of thorough understanding of Halal food production and requirements used to constrain the international competitiveness of some Chinese Halal producers. But now, they are increasingly supported by training activities.
“We are preparing to set up a Halal food accreditation center under CCPIT Sichuan to help with country-specific standards and accreditation”, Ma introduced.
Each year, around 6000 to 8000 Chinese companies apply for international Halal food accreditation. After application, review of documents, and site investigation, qualified ones will be conferred certificates.
“We look forward to visiting Pakistan to learn more about the local conditions to help us formulate a better investment plan”, said a Halal food producer headquartered in China’s northwestern province Gansu.
Detailed instructions on Pakistani food market access were also provided on the webinar. Akhtar A. Bughio, Head of Pakistan Halal Authority, gave an elaborate explanation on the needs and habits, laws and regulations, standards, and accreditation process of the access to the Pakistani food market. Fahad Bahshir, Vice Director of Peshawar Customs, walked through the customs procedures for Chinese enterprises to export food to Pakistan.
Akhtar A. Bughio, Head of Pakistan Halal Authority, sharing Pakistani food standards online
The webinar is part of the 11th China (Sichuan)-South Asia & Southeast Asia Business Leaders Summit held Wednesday and Thursday in Chengdu and online.
