Neighbourly conversation: China and Pakistan discuss export controls

China and Pakistan recently held talks on export control best practice, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs which says its Strategic Export Control Division (‘SECDIV’) hosted a  delegation of the Bureau of Industry, Security, Import and Export Control (‘BISIEC’) of the Ministry of Commerce, People’s Republic of China.

The ministry said that the Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Jiang Qianliang, Deputy Director General (BISIEC), while Dr. Zafar Ali, Director General SECDIV led the Pakistan side, and that, ‘Strategic Export Controls experts…shared their views and best practices. The two sides apprised each other about the latest developments in respective strategic export control systems, inter-agency coordination mechanism, licensing processes of dual use items, and capacity building of enforcement agencies.

‘The Chinese delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and appreciated the progress on harmonization of its strategic export control policies and practices with international standards.’

It added: ‘Pakistan’s non-proliferation measures and the steps taken to further strengthen its export controls are well recognized by the international community.’

Pakistan is not a member of any of the main multilateral export control regimes, although its application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group is supported by Turkey and China.

The SECDIV website is at:
http://www.secdiv.gov.pk/