Pakistani trader Muhammad Waqar is emerging as a key link between China’s southwest and the Middle East, as he expands imports of fresh and processed agricultural products from Guizhou province to Dubai and beyond.
In late December 2025, Waqar made his third visit in a single year to Guizhou, this time to add dried ginger and navel oranges to his growing import portfolio. He has worked in Dubai’s fruit and vegetable trade for over five years and now sees Guizhou as a direct sourcing hub rather than an intermediary market.
Inside the production facility of Guizhou Wanhui International Trade Co., Ltd., located in the Guiyang Comprehensive Bonded Zone, cartons of ginger and garlic were being loaded for shipment. Waqar personally inspected the goods, which will reach Dubai in about 20 days via a combined land-sea transport route.
Waqar first visited Guizhou in February 2025 at the invitation of the company. After spending more than a month surveying farms, factories, and logistics, he decided to collaborate.
“Guizhou’s agricultural products are highly suitable for the Middle Eastern market. They remain in good condition during storage and transport, and the logistics system is efficient,” Waqar said. He now treats Guizhou as a core import base for his regional supply chain.
Improved infrastructure has played a decisive role. In November 2025, Guizhou became the first provincial-level region in southwest China to achieve full high-speed rail connectivity to all provincial capitals. The province’s railway network now spans 4,354 kilometers, including 1,906 kilometers of high-speed rail, linking it to 17 major rail corridors nationwide.
Previously, Waqar sourced goods mainly from Chinese companies already operating in Dubai. Better transport links and trade facilitation in western China encouraged him to move closer to the source.
During each visit, Waqar stays in Guizhou for nearly two months, overseeing quality checks, finalizing packaging, and sharing real-time videos with Middle Eastern clients. From Dubai, he distributes Guizhou produce to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman.
Language barriers proved manageable. Waqar and his partners rely on electronic translation tools, while Guizhou’s mild climate and smooth coordination further eased cooperation.
Wu Longhua, business director at Guizhou Wanhui International Trade, said the bonded zone provides integrated services for processing and exports.
“We can complete all customs declaration procedures in one step using mobile devices,” Wu said. “Once goods enter the bonded zone, they can be shipped directly to Shenzhen Port without additional inspections, significantly reducing loss and waste.”
Since 2025, the company has exported over 10 types of agricultural products to the Middle East, valued at more than 20 million yuan (about $2.86 million). Workshops now operate 24 hours a day, with daily shipments.
In Dubai, Waqar’s warehouse receives over 320 tonnes of garlic and ginger weekly, often selling out within a week.
Last year, Waqar also visited Guizhou’s kiwi orchards and plans to introduce the fruit to Middle Eastern markets this harvest season.
“Guizhou’s kiwis are rich in vitamins and excellent in taste,” he said. “I believe they have the potential to become a new favorite in the Middle East.”
