Pakistan, China Sign New Agreements to Enhance Agri Sector

Pakistan and China have taken a significant leap forward in their agricultural partnership by signing multiple high-impact agreements across research, technology, mechanization, and ecological practices under the broader umbrella of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These agreements mark a major stride toward transforming Pakistan’s farming landscape, boosting food security, and enhancing export potential.

• Agriculture is Pakistan’s backbone: Contributing  25–30% of GDP and sustaining over 60% of the workforce.

• Food security & exports: Modernization ensures resilience against climate change, reduces dependency on imports, and supports agriculture-centric exports.

• CPEC 2.0 expansion: A green and inclusive agenda now covers agriculture, with science-driven collaboration at its center.

Delegation Lift‐Off

• A 10-member high‐level delegation from Gwadar, including agri‑experts and enterprise reps, visited Zhengzhou (Henan province) from June 16–20, 2025

• Purpose: Gain firsthand insights into China’s advanced tissue culture, biotech labs, nursery management, and educational integration.

Agreement Highlights

• The group signed a Sino‑Pak Scientific & Technological Cooperation Agreement at Henan Agricultural University 

• Focus areas: introduction of Paulownia and other high-yield, eco-friendly plant species; tissue culture; joint R&D; and full-scale technology transfer.

On-the-Ground Exposure

• Visit included Zhengzhou Garden Expo’s tissue culture lab and nursery base.

• Delegates toured schools in the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone to explore eco‑farming education models, aiming to replicate them in Gwadar 

• Henan Academy’s Laser Manufacturing Institute introduced laser‑based processing techniques for farm produce 

• Practical exposure at Zhongmu County’s garlic base highlighted high‑yield cultivation & post‑harvest techniques

Enhanced Yields & Food Security

• Tissue culture and elite germplasm promise disease‑free, high-yield plant varieties.

• Mechanized harvesting and tailored fertilizer use improve productivity per hectare.

Skill Development & Research Capacity

• Training programs, expert missions, and joint labs will empower local scientists, policymakers, and farmers.

• Punjab’s genomics initiatives enrich Pakistan’s breeding capacity, expanding into new climate zones.

Export Potential & Global Compliance

• NAFSA guarantees adherence to international food safety standards—critical for export markets in West Asia, EU & China.

• Better crop quality and supply chain systems through mechanization and monitoring.

Ecological and Climate Resilience

• Paulownia trees aid soil restoration and carbon sequestration.

• Eco-farming in schools builds sustainable agricultural habits for the next generation.

Economic Momentum

• Local manufacturing of farm machinery (in Punjab) creates jobs and reduces import bills.

• Innovation attracts Chinese investment and boosts bilateral trade under CPFTA.

• Owais Mir, delegation member:

  “We are optimistic about transferring these insights to enhance Gwadar’s agricultural productivity and export potential.”

• Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Food Security:

  “China has always stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan… this reflects the strategic partnership and mutual trust.” 

• Ambassador Jiang Zaidong:

  “This represents the largest China‑aided agricultural equipment project… Both countries are traditionally big agricultural nations.”

The rapid signing of science-driven, equipment-rich, and education-centered agreements with China marks a turning point for Pakistan’s agricultural ambitions. By integrating cutting-edge tech, local capacity-building, and robust export standards, these initiatives can revolutionize yield quality, rural livelihoods, and agro‑trade viability.

Farmers should stay updated on training opportunities and joint-lab openings. Investors and policy planners must ensure the momentum continues through scaling and accountability.