Pakistan is preparing to formally ask China for expanded tariff concessions on nearly 700 product categories under the proposed third phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA), as Islamabad pushes to narrow its growing trade imbalance with Beijing.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul are already in Beijing to hold discussions with Chinese officials ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit. Senior government representatives are also participating in the negotiations.
Officials say Pakistan wants treatment similar to the tariff benefits China recently granted to ASEAN members and 53 African countries, many of which now enjoy zero-tariff access to Chinese markets.
Pakistan exported goods worth about $2.37 billion to China during FY2024-25, while imports from China remained close to $20 billion annually. Over the last five years, Chinese exports to Pakistan crossed $100 billion, compared to Pakistan’s exports of around $10 billion.
Negotiators are seeking improved market access for Pakistani textiles, minerals, meat and rice products, along with easier visa procedures for exporters. Islamabad is also urging China to support long-term procurement agreements with Pakistani suppliers and encourage greater Chinese investment in export-oriented industries to help reduce the persistent trade deficit.
