Agricultural Modernisation Deepens in Pakistan with Chinese Support
Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, has announced that Pakistan-China agricultural cooperation has entered a new era of depth and scale under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Speaking at the China-Pakistan Agriculture Cooperation Forum hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK), he emphasized that both nations view agriculture as a priority sector within their bilateral cooperation framework.
The forum featured addresses from prominent figures, including Mr. Wang Huihua, President of CCCPK; Mrs. Amina Bajwa of FAO Pakistan; and Mr. Ch. Waseem Ajmal, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research. All speakers praised the progress made in agricultural collaboration and expressed strong optimism for future advancements.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Mr. Shi highlighted the robust institutional framework that now supports agricultural cooperation, especially with the formation of a joint agricultural working group. The group held its first meeting in Beijing in April, resulting in the establishment of the China-Pakistan Agricultural Technology Working Group and multiple consensus agreements for deeper collaboration.
Trade between the two countries has flourished, with agricultural exports exceeding one billion USD annually. Pakistan has successfully exported heat-treated beef, cherries, and frozen buffalo embryos. In the first five months of this year alone, trade volume reached 390 million USD—a 27% increase year-on-year. Remarkably, sesame exports alone hit 15 million USD, reflecting a 331% surge.
China’s contribution has also extended to equipment support, with 278 sets of advanced agricultural machinery worth 13 million RMB distributed across Pakistani provinces to aid modernization. Mr. Shi also noted increased academic exchange, as more Pakistani students pursue agricultural studies in China, strengthening technical expertise in the sector.
In his remarks, Mr. Wang Huihua acknowledged the second phase of CPEC as a significant step forward. He highlighted China's cost-effective technologies and Pakistan’s rich resources and skilled labour as complementary strengths. Together, the two countries are advancing in joint production, research, biotechnology, and digital agriculture, fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial agricultural future.
Quoting a Chinese proverb, Wang concluded, “If you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go far, walk together,” underlining that unity and collaboration are key to transforming agriculture in Pakistan.