KARACHI:
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has announced a series of specialised seminars aimed at enabling local maize growers and exporters to benefit from the newly finalised maize export protocol with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).
The events, scheduled for August 11, 12 and 13, 2025, will be held in Punjab’s major corn-producing districts of Mailsi, Okara and Sahiwal, respectively. An additional session will also be organised in Vehari to further engage stakeholders in the region.
According to TDAP, the seminars are designed to prepare Pakistani stakeholders to meet China’s “stringent quality and compliance standards” following the recent finalisation of the maize protocol with GACC.
The move aims to secure sustained access to what TDAP described as “the world’s largest maize market,” valued at $9.01 billion in imports in 2023.
Officials said this development presents a “significant opportunity to boost Pakistan’s agricultural exports and increase foreign exchange earnings”.
Organised in collaboration with the Punjab Agriculture Department, the sessions will provide detailed guidance on GACC registration procedures, compliance requirements and essential quality certifications.
Participants will also learn about emerging opportunities in the Chinese market, along with strategies to improve competitiveness in this high-value sector.
The seminars will cover key issues including phytosanitary standards, pest management — with a focus on the Khapra beetle — fungal contamination and aflatoxin control to ensure product safety and quality.