Pakistan’s exports to China rose 219% in the last five years from 2007-08 to 2011-12, far higher than the 43% increase in imports, says Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim, indicating a reduction in trade deficit with Beijing.

In a written reply to a question from Muhammad Talha Mehmood in the Senate on Wednesday, Fahim stressed that shipments to China had accelerated after the free trade agreement between the two countries came into force in 2009.

Giving a breakdown of export figures for the past five years, he said Pakistan exported goods worth $684.8 million to China in 2007-08, $701 million in 2008-09, $1.154 billion in 2009-10, $1.634 billion in 2010-11 and $2.184 billion in 2011-12.

In an effort to boost to bilateral trade, Fahim said Beijing had been asked to facilitate Pakistan’s participation in exhibition and trade fairs in China. In response, China is offering space in all exhibitions without any fee and rent.

In 2011-12, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) took part in six major trade fairs in China to display the products of Pakistan and highlight the potential of its manufacturers.