Islamabad, September 03, 2024 – Usman Riaz Bhatti, Chairman of the Pakistan Investment Facilitation Association (PIFA), has praised the recent strategic partnership between Northwest A & F University (NWAFU) of China, the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) of Punjab, Pakistan, and China Machinery Engineering Co Ltd (CMEC). This collaboration aims to exchange germplasm resources and modern bio-health agricultural technologies, marking a significant step forward in scientific research and collaboration between the two nations.
The partnership is set to focus on key agricultural sectors, including crop cultivation, with an emphasis on crops such as sesame and pepper. It also aims to advance new agricultural technologies, foster emerging industries, and enhance overall productivity in the agriculture sector.
In a meeting held at NWAFU in late August, representatives from the involved institutions committed to expanding their cooperation beyond research. The partnership will now include talent development, technical training, and the nurturing of high-quality undergraduate students and vocational agricultural industry operators. Demonstration model fields in Punjab, already showcasing the success of organic agricultural product cultivation, will serve as the foundation for further expansion.
Chairman Usman Riaz Bhatti highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership between Pakistan and China represents a milestone in our agricultural development. The exchange of germplasm resources and bio-health technologies will not only strengthen scientific research but also pave the way for high-quality industrial growth and enhanced trade relations between the two countries.”
The initiative also aims to identify key agricultural products for trade, support leading agricultural enterprises, and promote the development of China-Pakistan demonstration parks. These efforts are expected to drive industrial growth by fostering stronger trade ties.
Additionally, the collaboration will facilitate short-term exchanges and training for Pakistani agricultural experts, promoting the demonstration and implementation of advanced agricultural technologies within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
“The efforts being made under this partnership will significantly contribute to the development of Pakistan’s agricultural sector, leading to sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation,” Bhatti added.
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