Emerging Opportunities in Pakistan’s Kiwifruit Market with China
Pakistan is poised to significantly impact the global kiwifruit market through strategic collaboration with China, according to agricultural experts. This promising partnership was highlighted during the recent International Training Workshop on Kiwifruit Production held in Sichuan, where a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Sichuan Provincial Academy of Natural Resource Sciences and the University of Swabi.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Dr. Ruidar Ali Shah of the University of Swabi emphasized Pakistan's favorable conditions for kiwifruit cultivation, citing the country's rich soil, abundant water resources, and strategic geographic location. These advantages provide access to lucrative markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe, positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the kiwifruit sector.
Dr. Muhammad Akhlaq from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi noted that Pakistan's northern regions offer an ideal climate for kiwifruit, which thrives in moderate temperatures with sufficient rainfall. The growing local and international demand for kiwifruit, coupled with a substantial agricultural workforce, presents a unique opportunity for the nation to establish a profitable industry.
During the workshop, experts from several countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal, and Mongolia, benefited from China's advanced techniques in kiwifruit production, including germ-plasma resource collection, variety breeding, and pest control. Chinese agricultural practices, particularly in kiwifruit cultivation, are notable for their robust research and development and effective supply chain management.
The collaboration aims to integrate Chinese technologies into Pakistan's agricultural framework, adapting them to local conditions. The Belt and Road Initiative further facilitates this partnership, providing a platform for agricultural projects, including potential kiwifruit exports as production scales up.
Under the newly signed MoU, the Sichuan Provincial Academy and the University of Swabi will engage in capacity building, educational training, research projects, and workshops, all aimed at advancing kiwifruit production and resource conservation.