Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research met the Dutch Ambassador H.E. Mr. Wouter Plomp today in Islamabad. Federal Secretary Dr. Hashim Popalzai and other senior officials of the ministry were also present. In the meeting matters relating to agricultural cooperation between the two countries were discussed. Pakistan – Netherlands bilateral relations have good future prospects not only to bilateral trade but getting benefits from each other’s expertise in agricultural research and development. Pakistan is exporting rice, mango, sesame seeds, and spices etc. to Netherlands, whereas our imports from Netherlands are flower bulbs, potato seeds, vegetable seeds and cocoa powder etc. However, the trade between both the countries can be further enhanced by negotiating SPS requirements for the agricultural goods. Pakistan has been importing most of the potatoes seeds and other seeds from Netherlands. Federal Minister Mehboob Sultan said that we have set an ambitious target of processing 30% of milk in next 5 years, which currently is only 5%. He added many Dutch dairy companies are already collaborating in the field, there is a great potential in the field and exchange of technology and expertise from Dutch companies is welcome. Dutch Ambassador, Wouter Plomp said that that 9 Dutch companies have shown interest for investment in Pakistan’s poultry and livestock sector and two out of these deal with pharmaceutical companies (Poultry & livestock vaccine) , and we are looking forward to materialize those objectives of investment in agro sector here in Pakistan. Federal Minister Mehboob Sultan said that Business to Business liaison between the exporters/ importers of agro-commodities is imperative to further enhance bilateral trade activities between both the countries. He added that Pakistan is already importing Seed Potatoes from Holland but the current quantity is way less than the demand hence we would welcome Dutch companies to capture the potential market . He added that Pakistan has bumper potato crop last year, we would welcome joint venture for potato value addition in Pakistan. Dutch Ambassador told that agricultural cooperation is our top priority and exchange of research and technology would further bring benefits to both the countries. He also informed the Federal Minister that Dutch Agriculture Mission is planning a seminar in November, 2019 which would be a great opportunity for potential investors and experts and exchange of tangible proposals for cooperation in various sector including, dairy, poultry, horticulture etc. Federal Minister also suggested that since current government has prioritized the agriculture sector hence it is resorting to all possible measures to benefit farmers and uplift the sector. Holland Ambassador extended informal invitation to Federal Minister for participation in the seminar by Holland Agro-mission next month, and also assured that he would be working hard to take agricultural cooperation between the two countries to the next level. ********
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