Pakistan and China seal $4 billion agricultural cooperation agreements

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have entered into more than $4 billion worth of agreements aimed at transforming Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

The milestone deals were finalised during the Pakistan-China Agricultural Investment Conference held recently, marking one of the largest bilateral investments in farming.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, described the development as a historic breakthrough that would serve as a cornerstone for the nation’s food security and economic resilience. He said the agreements have the potential to redefine Pakistan’s agricultural landscape by introducing advanced technology and innovation.

The two countries signed 24 significant memoranda of understanding (MoUs), focusing on areas such as modern agricultural machinery, seed development and smart agriculture projects. These initiatives are expected to introduce technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency, crop yields and sustainability in Pakistan’s farming sector.

Precision farming

Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted that precision agriculture would enable data-driven decisions, which in turn could substantially increase productivity. He emphasised that greater output would not only secure Pakistan’s domestic food needs but also expand the country’s potential to enhance agricultural exports on a global scale.

During the conference, the minister also held meetings with representatives of China’s leading agricultural companies including GDSP, Sanyang and Jinghua Seed. The firms expressed strong interest in long-term partnerships, underlining confidence in Pakistan’s agricultural potential.

Export opportunities

Rana Tanveer Hussain pointed out that China imports agricultural commodities worth $215 billion annually, and Pakistan has the ability to supply such products at more competitive prices compared to global markets. He described this cooperation as a golden opportunity for Pakistan to tap into one of the world’s largest agricultural markets.

He further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, policies introduced for promoting agricultural industries have given new direction to the Pakistan-China agricultural partnership.

Strategic partnership

According to the minister, these agreements would not only boost food production and trade but also strengthen long-term strategic relations between Pakistan and China. He underscored that agriculture had now emerged as a key pillar in the enduring partnership between the two nations.