Pakistan, Spain to boost agricultural ties

Food minister, envoy discuss agri-tech, trade expansion

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain held a meeting with Spain Ambassador Carlos Aragon Gil de la Serna to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security, trade, and multilateral engagement.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector and exploring new avenues of mutually beneficial trade and investment.

The Spanish ambassador congratulated Pakistan on becoming a full member of the International Olive Council (IOC) and appreciated the country's growing role in the global olive sector. The federal minister expressed his gratitude to the government of Spain, particularly the Spanish minister of agriculture, for extending unwavering support to Pakistan's bid for full membership of the IOC. He noted that Spain's support had further strengthened the enduring partnership between the two countries.

The ambassador highly appreciated the positive contribution of nearly 150,000 Pakistanis residing in Spain, acknowledging their important role in strengthening economic ties and promoting trade between the two countries. He also noted that Pakistan enjoyed a favourable trade balance with Spain, with textiles remaining one of Pakistan's major exports to the Spanish market.

Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation with Spain in the field of modern agricultural technologies to enhance Pakistan's farm productivity and climate resilience.