Islamabad: Pakistan and China have signed more than two dozen memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth USD 4 billion in the agriculture sector, covering areas such as mechanisation, seed development, smart farming, and precision agriculture to enhance productivity and strengthen food security.
The agreements were signed on Saturday during the Pak-China Business-to-Business Conference in Beijing, held alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, who said the deals would not only contribute to Pakistan’s food security but also create new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
The one-day conference featured opening and closing sessions as well as multiple business-to-business meetings. Minister Hussain participated in a dozen discussions with major Chinese and Pakistani agri-industry firms, including Dayu in irrigation, Jessica EV and LOVOL in agricultural machinery, PIESAT in aerospace and data solutions, Jinghua Seed Industry, Sanyang Company Xinjiang, Guard Agricultural Research and Services (Pvt) Ltd, and China State Engineering Construction Corporation GDSP.
Chinese media highlighted that shares of PIESAT surged after the firm signed a USD 406.4 million agreement with Pakistan to help establish a satellite constellation aimed at improving communication and Earth observation data. The project’s first phase includes launching 20 satellites, setting up a satellite manufacturing facility, and developing supporting software, with PIESAT also providing technical assistance to strengthen Pakistan’s independent capabilities in satellite manufacturing and operations.
During the conference, Minister Hussain underscored that China imports USD 215 billion worth of agricultural products annually, noting that Pakistan could play a significant role in supplying fruits, vegetables, and cereals at competitive prices due to its geographical proximity compared to suppliers like Brazil and other Western countries.
He lauded the initiatives of both Pakistani and Chinese firms under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to fostering long-term agricultural partnerships with China.
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