US seeks to deepen agri-tech partnership

Diplomat says innovation can help modernise Pakistan's farm sector, create new commercial opportunities

KARACHI:

The United States on Thursday highlighted opportunities to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in agricultural technology, saying greater adoption of American innovation could help modernise the country's farm sector while expanding bilateral trade and investment.

US Charge d'Affaires Natalie A Baker made the remarks during a Direct Line webinar, organised by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) in collaboration with the US Embassy in Islamabad, the US Department of Commerce and the Government of Pakistan, according to an official statement. The virtual event brought together American businesses and investors, Pakistani government officials and representatives of the agriculture sector.

"American agricultural innovation can help advance Pakistan's efforts to modernise and facilitate technology integration by its agricultural sector while creating new commercial opportunities for both countries," the US diplomat said.

Natalie noted that agriculture remained a key pillar of Pakistan's economy, contributing nearly one-quarter of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and supporting millions of livelihoods.

She said Pakistan's efforts to modernise its agriculture sector presented opportunities for American companies to introduce technologies and expertise in areas such as precision agriculture, advanced irrigation systems, digital farm management and cold chain logistics.

"American companies are well positioned to bring their expertise, technologies and decades of practical experience to the table," she said, adding that such innovations could help improve productivity while conserving resources.

Natalie said the webinar formed part of the US mission's broader agenda to promote economic cooperation and expand commercial ties with Pakistan. She highlighted that in 2025, US exports of agricultural and related goods to Pakistan soared over $1.5 billion.

Meanwhile, participants from Pakistan outlined regulatory and policy measures aimed at facilitating greater imports of US agricultural products, including soybeans, cotton and planting seeds.

They also encouraged greater US investment in farm mechanisation, controlled-atmosphere storage, food processing, seed development and biotechnology.

The US Charge d'Affaires said American investment offered long-term benefits by combining technology transfer with local capacity building and business partnerships. "When American companies bring innovative technologies to new markets, they share knowledge, train local partners, create lasting business relationships and contribute to sustainable economic growth."

The webinar also served as a preview of the US Department of Commerce's Certified Agricultural Technologies Trade Mission to Pakistan, scheduled for October 26-30.