Pakistan and China to Launch 13 Mega Agriculture Projects

The Federal Government, in collaboration with China, is going to launch 13 mega projects in the agriculture sector. Pakistan has also sought technical assistance from New Zealand to improve dairy production.

The Chinese Delegation of China Machinery Engineering Cooperation (CMEC) called on Federal Minister for National Food Security & Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan yesterday in Islamabad.

The delegation said that CMEC is looking forward to collaborating through “Pak-China Modern Agriculture Comprehensive Development Project” and under the project, China will assist provide technical and financial support for poverty alleviation, in line with the current government’s goals.

The delegation also said that Pakistan has the best environment, water reservoirs and abundant labor which can be exploited to maximize the agriculture output.

Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan said that due to the lack of requisite technology, Pakistan is lagging behind in value addition and processing. The joint venture in this regard and adaption of best practices in the field of agriculture would help Pakistan tap its agro resources/commodities.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Food Security is processing a memorandum of understanding between PARC and CMEC, the delegation added.

Under CPEC both Pakistan and China have gone beyond the traditional level of cooperation from assistance in crop farming, cattle farming and mechanization to food storage and export.

This assistance will be mutually beneficial and bring the two countries closer, said the Minister.

The delegation said that CMEC will collaborate with Pakistan to change its traditional agriculture outlook to that of the most powerful agricultural country in the region with wide access to the Chinese and Middle Eastern market.

Federal Minister Mehboob Sultan assured the government’s (Ministry’s) support in line with the agricultural policies and in developing a sound cooperation mechanism.

The delegation asked to hold a China-Pakistan Agricultural Cooperation Summit in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Chinese embassy, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and China Agricultural Association for International Exchange.

Exchange of Dairy Processing with New Zealand

The newly appointed High Commissioner of New Zealand to Pakistan Mr. Hamish MacMaster called on Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan.

The food minister said that Pakistan is the world’s fifth-largest milk producer and annually produces 60 million metric tons, while only 6 percent is processed. He said that New Zealand has a very strong dairy sector along with processing and value addition, Pakistan would welcome any cooperation in the field from production to value addition.

He further added that cow fattening and enhanced meat production is one of the programs of PM’s Agriculture Emergency Project and Pakistan is looking forward to getting technical assistance –machinery, technology and equipment from New Zealand.

Pakistan exports hides and skins of buffaloes/cows to New Zealand, which brought Rs. 7.9 million in the year 2017-18, Pakistan’s agro import from New Zealand consists of animal feed, feed premixes, animal products (bovine semen, edible offal, tallow) dairy products, sheepskin, etc.

It is pertinent to mention that exotic bovine semen and cattle feed premixes are already imported from New Zealand, moreover, Veterinary Health Protocol for import of dairy cattle to Pakistan has already been harmonized.

Federal Minister Mehboob Sultan said that Pakistan wants to expand its mango market as it is already exported to 48 countries of the world including Australia due to its unique taste and aroma. He said that the government is hoping that New Zealand will consider importing mangoes from Pakistan along with other fruit and vegetables like dates, citrus, guava, onion, and potato.

Mr. MacMaster was informed that Pakistan produces exceptional quality apple and cherry and it will welcome New Zealand’s offer for assistance for a joint venture in Pakistan for the processing/value addition of apple.

Mr. MacMaster told the Minister of Food Security that to facilitate and enhance the agro trade between the two countries he will play his role effectively and expressed his gratitude for the speedy processing of the pea seed consignment.

He assured the minister of his role in facilitating and enhancing the agro trade between the two countries.

MacMaster said that he was impressed with the potential that exists in the field of agriculture in Pakistan and is looking forward to playing his role to strengthen the bilateral relations in this field and increase the volume of trade.



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