Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal invited Chinese investors to explore and tap into opportunities regarding agro-processing, value addition, and the development of modern infrastructure in Pakistan.
The Pakistan-China Agro Trade Conference was held on Saturday at the Karachi Expo Centre, as part of the three-day FoodAg 2024 expo.
According to a press release, the conference marked strong commitments to deepen agricultural trade and investment between both states. Jam Kamal delivered the key address, stressing upon the importance of leveraging Pakistan’s agricultural potential through strengthening ties with China.
The minister highlighted the long-standing and robust relationship between Pakistan and China during his address, which extends beyond trade and commerce.
With agricultural cooperation being a dominant area of focus, he further highlighted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as a cornerstone of the two countries’ shared vision for economic growth and development.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy,” stated the minister, adding, “With China’s expertise in agricultural innovation and technology, there is immense potential to transform Pakistan’s agro-based sector, boosting productivity, quality, and exports.”
The minister underscored various initiatives which he believed would improve agricultural collaboration including the establishment of the Pak-China Agricultural Cooperation Center, the development of CPEC Agricultural Demonstration Zones, and investments in cold chain logistics in order to reduce post-harvest losses.
The meeting consisted of discussions on sustainable agricultural practices, market access, and trade facilitation.
The minister outlined the significance of adopting eco-friendly farming techniques along with enhancing water management to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
In order to improve the skills of Pakistani farmers and agronomists, he further called for joint research initiatives and training programs.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and China has witnessed significant growth and development, reaching $18 billion in 2023, with agricultural products playing a crucial role.
The minister expressed optimism that the conference and B2B interactions would further deepen these ties, strengthening them and leading to new projects and collaborations.
Concluding the conference, the minister conveyed his confidence that the outcomes of the Pak-China Agro Trade Conference would pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future for both nations’ agricultural sectors.
“Together, we can harness the full potential of our agricultural partnership,” he said.
The meeting was attended by delegations from China, including business leaders, investors, and government officials, all of whom expressed keen interest in expanding trade and investment with Pakistan in the agro-sector.
