Pakistan’s International Multi Group of Companies (IMGC) plans to increase the value of its sesame exports to China. The company aims to process more sesame at home before exporting it.
The move comes as demand for Pakistani sesame continues to grow in China. IMGC has already built a processing plant covering about 2,000 square metres.
IMGC Plans Local Sesame Processing
IMGC is now discussing equipment supplies with Chinese companies. The group plans to install machinery that can process sesame into oil and paste.
Currently, Pakistan mainly exports cleaned sesame seeds. By processing the crop locally, the company hopes to capture more value from each shipment.
Moreover, the planned facility will use machinery supplied by Chinese manufacturers.
Sesame Exports to China Surge
China has become an important market for Pakistani sesame. Pakistan exported 103,340 tonnes of sesame seeds to China during the first seven months of 2026.
The shipments were worth $105.29 million. Compared with the same period last year, export volume increased by 110.8%, while export value rose by 72.2%.
As a result, growing Chinese demand is creating new opportunities for Pakistan’s sesame industry.
Pakistan Has Room to Expand Value-Added Exports
Pakistan’s sesame oil exports remain relatively small. In 2024, the country exported only 25.7 tonnes of sesame oil and related products.
Those shipments were worth $228,470, according to World Bank WITS data based on UN Comtrade. Almost all of the exports went to China.
This gap highlights the potential for Pakistan to develop more value-added sesame products.
Chinese Technology to Support Production
The new plan will bring Chinese processing technology closer to Pakistan’s sesame-producing sector. This could help local manufacturers produce goods specifically for the Chinese market.
Wang Li, IMGC’s China representative, said Chinese equipment suppliers understand the standards required in China. Therefore, the technology could help Pakistani producers meet Chinese market requirements more easily.
IMGC Expands Presence in China
IMGC has also strengthened its presence in the Chinese market. The diversified group opened an office in Beijing in April.
The company has worked with Chinese commercial buyers for several years. Its businesses include edible oils, commodities, and international trade.
In addition, IMGC already operates significant edible-oil manufacturing facilities in Pakistan.
New Opportunity in Pakistan-China Agricultural Trade
The sesame initiative could add a new dimension to Pakistan-China agricultural trade. Instead of exporting mostly raw or cleaned seeds, Pakistan can develop more processed products locally.
Consequently, local processing could increase export earnings and create new opportunities across Pakistan’s agricultural value chain.
Read More Articles:
Team Pakistan Prepares for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
