Islamabad (GNP): Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met with Sweden’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alexandra Berg von Linde, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security, livestock development, research, and sustainable development. Both sides expressed interest in building on the countries’ longstanding friendly relations to establish a more substantive agricultural partnership.
Welcoming the ambassador, Hussain said Pakistan values its relationship with Sweden and is eager to expand cooperation in agriculture and related sectors. He noted that while political ties between the two nations remain strong, agricultural collaboration has historically lagged behind, leaving considerable room for growth. He expressed confidence that stronger institutional ties and more regular engagement could unlock new areas of mutual benefit.
Recognizing Swedish Expertise
The minister acknowledged Sweden’s global reputation in sustainable agriculture, agricultural innovation, food safety, and climate-resilient farming practices. He praised Sweden’s contributions to international development through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and welcomed opportunities for Pakistani professionals and institutions to access Swedish training and expertise.
Both sides discussed strengthening institutional ties between relevant organizations, with Hussain proposing greater collaboration through research partnerships, technical exchanges, and academic cooperation — including closer engagement between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Swedish research institutions — to support the exchange of knowledge and modern agricultural technologies.
Food Security and Investment Opportunities
Discussions also touched on food security and safety, with both sides highlighting the need to improve food quality standards, encourage safer processing practices, and adopt technologies that reduce food waste and boost value addition. Hussain welcomed further Swedish involvement in strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural value chains and improving export competitiveness.
He also invited Swedish companies to explore investment opportunities across Pakistan’s agriculture, food processing, dairy, and post-harvest management sectors, noting the potential for such partnerships to support economic growth and job creation.
Livestock and Antimicrobial Resistance
Livestock development was another key area of discussion, with both sides agreeing on the importance of cooperation in animal health, dairy development, and sustainable livestock production to improve rural livelihoods and national food security.
A significant part of the conversation focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Swedish ambassador encouraged Pakistan to seek membership in the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, noting that Pakistan’s participation would strengthen representation from the Eastern Mediterranean region on the international platform. Hussain welcomed the proposal and confirmed that Pakistan would begin the nomination process, noting that his ministry is already coordinating with the health and climate change ministries on a national AMR response strategy.
Both sides reaffirmed support for a “One Health” approach that addresses the interconnected impact of antimicrobial resistance on human health, animal health, and the environment, along with the need for responsible antibiotic use and stronger regulatory oversight.
Swedish Investment in Pakistan
The ambassador also highlighted the positive role Swedish companies already play in Pakistan, particularly in food processing, dairy packaging, and sustainable textiles, noting that their presence provides a strong foundation for expanding broader economic cooperation.
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The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation through continued dialogue, stronger institutional partnerships, and expanded research collaboration, expressing confidence that such efforts would support agricultural modernization and strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Sweden.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
