Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, Shi Yuanqiang, declared on Thursday that agricultural collaboration between China and Pakistan is advancing into a transformative phase characterized by expanded depth and scale under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He attributed this progress to the strategic guidance of both nations’ leadership and the unified vision embedded within CPEC.
“China and Pakistan attach great importance to agricultural cooperation and regard agriculture as one of the priority areas for their bilateral collaboration,” Shi emphasized during his keynote address at the China-Pakistan Agriculture Cooperation Forum. He noted that agricultural ties have consistently deepened, yielding substantial outcomes. Shi highlighted the reinforcement of institutional frameworks through the establishment of a joint agricultural working group mechanism.
In April, he added, the inaugural session of this working group convened successfully in Beijing, leading to the creation of the China-Pakistan Agricultural Technology Working Group. Consensus was forged across multiple cooperative domains, laying a robust foundation for future initiatives.
Shi underscored significant growth in bilateral agricultural trade, citing the finalization of nine new protocols for Pakistani agricultural exports to China over the past three years. These agreements sustain annual trade volumes surpassing $1 billion, with Pakistan maintaining a consistent surplus. Key exports include heat-treated beef, fresh cherries, and frozen buffalo embryos. Trade reached $390 million in the first five months of this year alone, reflecting a 27% year-on-year surge. Notably, sesame exports exceeded $15 million—a 331% increase—establishing it as Pakistan’s largest single agricultural export to China.
Industrial cooperation has also intensified, Shi stated. In April, China supplied 278 sets of agricultural machinery valued at 13 million RMB to provinces across Pakistan, bolstering local modernization efforts. “The implementation of these projects will help Pakistan consolidate its agricultural foundation in all aspects,” he affirmed. Additionally, talent exchanges have flourished, with China supporting numerous Pakistani students pursuing agricultural studies domestically annually, enhancing professional expertise.
Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, Wang Huihua, echoed these sentiments in his welcome remarks: “We are here to explore new opportunities and discuss further cooperation in agriculture under CPEC’s second phase.” He clarified that the forum aims not only to fortify economic ties but also to advance Pakistan’s agricultural modernization and sustainable development.
Wang elaborated on complementary strengths: China offers cost-efficient technology and industrial expertise, while Pakistan contributes fertile land and diligent labor. Since CPEC’s second phase commenced, collaboration has broadened to encompass joint production, export-oriented research, agricultural technology advancement, modernization methodologies, and biotechnology exploration. “Our joint efforts will promote Pakistan’s agriculture and digitalization, building a sustainable partnership that enhances food security, elevates farmers’ incomes, and fuels regional prosperity,” Wang asserted.
Invoking a proverb, he concluded: “If you want to go faster, walk alone; but to go far, walk together. Unity and collaboration are the sole path to a luminous future for agricultural development.”