Pakistan seeks FAO support
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to review ongoing collaboration and explore future opportunities in Pakistan's agriculture and livestock sectors.
According to a statement released on Friday, the FAO delegation was led by Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director General and Director of the Animal Production and Health Division. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, who is completing her tenure, also attended the meeting.
The minister appreciated FAO's support since 1947, now covering projects in 94 districts. He welcomed FAO's new Global Work Plan, approved by 194 member states, and expressed interest in its implementation.
Hussain said Pakistan is committed to revitalising its agriculture and livestock sectors to boost food security and exports. He reiterated the government's interest in mobilising foreign investment and appreciated FAO's willingness to support such initiatives under the new work plan.
Tiensin acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in disease control, food safety, and export readiness. He praised the potential of Pakistan's livestock sector and recommended Brazil's model of transformation through research and innovation.
The minister briefed the delegation on the newly formed National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), inspired by Egypt's model. To further this learning, Pakistan will send a technical delegation to Egypt to study the institutional mechanisms and best practices adopted there.
He stressed the need to revive Pakistan's representation at FAO, which has been vacant since 2017, and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in line with the Prime Minister's vision for science-led agricultural development. He also expressed interest in expanding collaboration with leading research institutions in China and Europe.
FAO shared updates on upcoming global events, including the Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation and the World Food Forum.