China to assist in setting up date processing plants
High-level visits of delegations between Pakistan and China have opened up new horizons of cooperation, particularly in the field of agriculture, through the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and other agreements, said Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam.
His comments came at a farewell meeting with outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing on Friday.
During the meeting, Imam appreciated Yao's contribution to the deepening of bilateral ties between the two countries. It was decided that China would assist in developing date processing plants and onion cold storages in southern Balochistan.
The minister acknowledged the growing friendly relations between the two countries and reiterated the importance Pakistan attached to its partnership with China. He was of the view that the Chinese envoy's efforts aimed at growth of bilateral cooperation in all spheres had further strengthened brotherly ties between the two neighbours.
He appreciated the ambassador's efforts to push bilateral cooperation within the economic framework under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The minister praised Yao's contribution to the growth of agricultural cooperation as well as his efforts to appoint an agricultural counsellor in the Chinese embassy, which helped in effective coordination in all areas of the farm sector. He lauded the ambassador's interest and continued help in Pakistan's efforts to fight locust and Covid-19.
"CPEC will go a long way towards further strengthening bilateral relations as well as development of agriculture and livestock sectors in Pakistan," remarked Imam.
The ambassador had called for holding a working-level meeting between the two nations to kick-start the process for a joint working group, he said.
Accordingly, a delegation of Pakistan, led by a senior joint secretary, visited the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (China) in July 2019, he added.
"The first China-Pakistan Agricultural Cooperation forum provided a platform for business-to-business interaction with participation of leading business enterprises from both sides and conclusion of private sector-related MoUs."
Published in The Express Tribune, September 19th, 2020.
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