KARACHI: Significant breakthrough as Pakistan on Tuesday announced its agricultural exports to China with an inaugural shipment of dried chilli.

Around 150,000 acres (60,700 hectares) of farms in Pakistan produce 143,000 tons of chilli annually, making the country the fourth largest for chilli production worldwide. The southern Sindh province, which produces 126 million tons, contributes around 88 percent of the country’s total chilli production.

Official figures show Pakistan’s dried red chilli exports have declined in the last few years, mainly due to contamination during the drying process. As per the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan exported 2,751 metric tons of dried red chillies in 2019, which declined to 1,665 metric tons in 2022.

“This momentous achievement, made possible through the outstanding efforts of Litong Food Co. Ltd. [leading Chinese food firm], marks the beginning of a new era in the trade relationship between Pakistan and China,” Commerce Minister Dr. Gohaz Ejaz was quoted as saying in a statement released by his office that did not specify the size of the shipment.

“I am delighted to announce that the first-ever consignment of dried chillies is on its way to China. This achievement not only showcases the capabilities of our exporters but also highlights the potential for further collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese businesses.”

The minister said exports of Pakistani products to China had the potential to “exceed $20 billion in the coming years.”

“However, achieving this ambitious goal requires concerted efforts from Pakistani agricultural exporters ... to uphold high-quality standards, increase productivity, and implement effective marketing strategies to meet the expectations of the Chinese market.”

He added that exports could soar if Pakistani companies worked to meet the international standards set by Chinese authorities. Last month, Arab News reported on an innovative initiative in Sindh, where a dozen growers are successfully using modern methods and machines to protect their chilli crops against fungal contamination in a region that is highly vulnerable to climate change.