Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain Holds High-Level Meeting with Chinese Delegation to Strengthen Agricultural Partnership
Islamabad : Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a high-level meeting with a senior Chinese delegation on the sidelines of the China-Pakistan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference. The meeting was attended by He Zhongyou, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), the Chairman of China Xinjian Group, and H.E. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of China to Pakistan. The two sides discussed in detail the prospects of enhancing cooperation in the field of agriculture, particularly focusing on research, cotton production, seed development, irrigation efficiency, and technological exchange.
In his remarks, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that agriculture is not just a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy but also a vital bridge for Pakistan-China collaboration. He highlighted the challenges Pakistan has faced in recent years, especially in cotton production, where declining yields and outdated seed varieties have created major setbacks. The Minister expressed keen interest in learning from Xinjiang’s remarkable progress in improving agricultural productivity, especially in regions with arid and semi-arid climates, which closely resemble many parts of Pakistan. He noted that Xinjiang’s achievements in crop yield optimization, irrigation management, and mechanization could serve as a model for transformation in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Both sides shared a strong mutual desire to institutionalize collaboration by initiating technical working groups consisting of agricultural experts and researchers. These groups will explore and implement projects focusing on high-yield cotton seed development, advanced water-saving irrigation technologies, and modern farming techniques suitable for the ecological zones of Pakistan. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain proposed that this cooperation should also extend specifically to the Gilgit-Baltistan region, leveraging the climatic and geographic similarities with Xinjiang to promote innovation and sustainable agricultural growth.
The Minister also underlined the importance of public-private partnerships and urged Chinese enterprises, including those from XPCC and China Xinjian Group, to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s agriculture and agri-business sectors. He assured the delegation that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research would provide all possible facilitation to turn shared visions into actionable outcomes. He welcomed proposals for joint ventures, research exchanges, and the establishment of demonstration farms and technology centers in Pakistan.
In response, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening agricultural cooperation with Pakistan under the broader framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He appreciated Pakistan’s proactive approach and openness to collaboration and highlighted the potential for long-term partnership in food security, technology transfer, and rural development.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides agreeing to sustain dialogue and move swiftly towards implementing agreed areas of cooperation. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated that agricultural development is not just a national priority but also a strategic domain for advancing the time-tested Pakistan-China friendship. He extended his full support and warm wishes to the Chinese delegation for a productive visit and safe return.
“We are fully committed to translating this strong partnership into real benefits for our farmers, researchers, and future generations. Long live Pakistan-China friendship!” the Minister concluded.
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.
