Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Fakhar Imam on Wednesday termed Pakistan’s agro-economy a major turning point for the overall economy.
He made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini that discussed issues of mutual interest and cooperation in the field of agriculture and livestock.
Pointing to the relations between Pakistan and Iran, the minister said both countries relished the friendly ties while people of the two countries were tied in cultural and religious bonds that had expanded over centuries.
Imam stressed that Islamabad significantly valued its relations with Tehran and discussed the current situation in relation to desert locusts in both countries, which were part of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s South West Commission on Desert Locust.
Highlighting the huge potential for economic cooperation between the two countries, including cooperation in the field of agriculture, the federal minister noted that they may explore new areas of cooperation in the field of livestock.
Iran could share experiences and knowledge about animal breeding and improving production with Pakistan. A technical team could be constituted in a bid to take advantage of experiences of both countries, the two officials discussed.
Moreover, Pakistan showed interest in exporting Halal meat and its products to Iran. Pakistan has 36 registered slaughterhouses for meat export. Its meat processing companies have the potential to produce meat products according to needs of importing companies with the help of the country’s research institutes in animal vaccine production and pathogen characterisation.
Appreciating the grant of market access by Iran to Pakistani agricultural products ie, mangoes, after finalisation of the pest risk analysis, the minister pointed out that currently Plant Protection Organisation (Iran) had approved 22 hot water treatment plants of Pakistan for disinfecting and exporting mangoes to Iran.
By July 22 this year, Pakistan exported 20,209 tons of mangoes to Iran. Pakistan has granted Iran market access to fresh fruits (dates, grapes, apple and plum) and fresh vegetables (tomato), chickpeas, dried fruits (pistachio, raisin, almond, walnut and dry coconut).
The minister went on to say that plant protection organisations of both countries may have more frequent collaboration with each other to amicably resolve quarantine issues in order to promote trade between the two countries.
Iran expressed its desire to export tractors and other agricultural machinery to Pakistan. Moreover, Iran showed interest in cooperation in the field of silkworms and fisheries.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 30th, 2020.
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