ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (APP): Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain Thursday chaired a meeting with a high-powered Chinese delegation to explore enhanced cooperation in the field of agriculture.
The meeting focused on developing joint strategies to modernize Pakistan’s agricultural sector and to initiate collaborative efforts in research, innovation, and investment.
The Chinese delegation, comprising senior officials, agricultural scientists, and private sector representatives, expressed keen interest in investing across various segments of Pakistan’s agriculture, including seed development, precision farming, smart irrigation systems, and agro-processing.
The delegation highlighted China’s technological advancements in agriculture and its willingness to transfer expertise to Pakistan through institutional partnerships.
Rana Tanveer warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, especially in the agriculture sector, which remains a backbone of the national economy.
He emphasized that transforming the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) into a center of excellence is one of his top priorities.
He said that through collaboration with China, Pakistan can introduce scientific research, climate-resilient practices, and modern technology that will uplift the productivity of local farmers and ensure long-term food security.
The Minister stressed the urgent need for formal agreements between Pakistani and Chinese agricultural institutions.
He proposed signing multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that would focus on joint research in areas such as biotechnology, crop improvement, pest control, and sustainable agricultural practices.
He also underscored the importance of establishing long-term frameworks for the exchange of scientists, technical training, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural institutions.
Hussain noted that this partnership must go beyond investment and move towards structured collaboration in research and development.
He directed the leadership of PARC and other concerned departments to initiate immediate drafting of MoUs and prepare detailed concept papers to outline the proposed areas of cooperation.
He also encouraged visits by Pakistani experts to China to observe successful agricultural models and adapt them to Pakistan’s needs.
The Chinese delegation appreciated the Minister’s strategic vision and assured full support from their government and private sector to contribute to Pakistan’s agricultural transformation.
They welcomed the proposal for formal MoUs and expressed readiness to facilitate institutional linkages and technology transfer in a time-bound manner.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to elevate the Pakistan-China partnership in agriculture to a new level, ensuring tangible outcomes in the coming months through structured planning and implementation.