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).

Pakistan, China Sign New Agreements to Enhance Agri Sector
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.