BEIJING, Feb 10: The Chinese government has given its consent to import Pakistani orange from next season, officials said here on Thursday.

In this connection, the two countries are expected to sign a formal protocol in April this year during the visit of Chinese Primer Wen Jiabao to Islamabad.

The officials told APP that a delegation of the China Quarantine Bureau would visit Pakistan by the end of this month to inspect orange orchards and farms to verify its quality and packing arrangements.

According to the officials, potential for the sale of Pakistani horticultural products in the Chinese market is quite rich. "We hope to receive an encouraging response for marketing Pakistani orange, especially kinnoo," said Shahid Mahmood, commercial counsellor, Pakistan Embassy.

He said Pakistan had already made an initial breakthrough to introduce Pakistani food products in the Chinese market by initiating the export of mango last year.

China has also agreed, in principle, to sign a formal protocol to import Pakistani rice. Necessary legal formalities to this effect are being completed, the official added. "Pakistani long-grain rice can find a big market in China, since its quality is much better than the rice that is currently being imported from Thailand and some other countries."

Some Chinese companies have already shown interest to import the long-grain rice in a big quantity. Pakistani businessmen interested in exporting orange, mango and rice are expected to organize exhibitions and other promotional activities for introducing their products to the Chinese consumers.

The Pakistan Embassy has also approached the Chinese authorities, seeking permission for exports of dates, wheat, potato, onion, spices and some milk products.-APP