**Rephrased Article:**
Five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were formally signed on Thursday to bolster agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and China. The agreements, concluded between Pakistani and Chinese companies, were announced during the China-Pakistan High-Quality Agricultural Cooperation Development Forum.
The newly inked MoUs cover diverse sectors including double-zero canola cultivation, integrated oil-feed systems, agricultural and livestock equipment, and buffalo farming development.
Speaking at the Forum, Chaudhry Waseem Ajmal, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, highlighted agriculture’s significance within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “Agriculture has emerged as a key pillar of cooperation between Pakistan and China under CPEC,” Ajmal stated, “with new partnerships driving innovation, productivity, and rural transformation.” He specifically pointed to tangible results: “The outcomes relating to double zero canola varieties have really improved oilseed yields and increased farmers’ incomes.” He added, “Buffalo breed improvement and dairy value chain development are reshaping Pakistan’s rural livelihoods.”
Secretary Ajmal emphasized the critical role of the private sector in driving change. “Governments can set the policy direction and provide enabling frameworks, but it is the private sector that truly brings transformation to the fields,” he asserted. He reiterated his ministry’s commitment: “The Ministry of National Food Security and Research remains committed to supporting all private sector stakeholders, whether Chinese or Pakistani, because we believe that public-private partnerships are essential to modernising agriculture and ensuring food security for the future.” Ajmal further assured attendees of collaborative efforts: “We will work hand-in-hand with the Chinese partners and private sector stakeholders to translate today’s dialogue into tomorrow’s development.”
Also addressing the Forum, Amina Bajwa, Head of Programme for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Pakistan, underscored the importance of diversification. FAO has “long recognised the importance of diversifying Pakistan’s agriculture base,” Bajwa stated, “not just to enhance productivity but also to improve resilience, reduce import dependence and to open up new avenues for smallholder farmers to prosper.” She elaborated on FAO’s engagement: “In this context… FAO is pleased to work closely with the Pakistani government on several strategic areas, including identifying new and viable alternatives, such as oil seed production.” Bajwa also highlighted FAO’s stance on policy: “FAO is a very strong supporter of an enabling and a consistent policy environment that allows a diverse range of private investors from across the globe to engage in a meaningful dialogue on Pakistan’s agriculture transformation.”
