A delegation led by the Australian Trade Commissioner to Pakistan Mr. John Cavanaghon called on the Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam in his office in Islamabad today on 15th November, 2021. The meeting was also attended by the senior officials of the ministry.
Fakhar imam welcomed the Australian Trade Commissioner and said that Pakistan and Australia should enhance their relationship in regard to agro-economy especially through enhancing bi-lateral trade, and transfer of agro-technology. Fakhar said that Pakistani exports to Australia have shown little increase in the recent years and with little focus the quantum of exports can be huge. Federal Minister for National Food and Security Syed Fakhar Imam said that the trade between the two countries can achieve new heights if Pakistan enhances export of fruits, vegetables and rice to Australia.
Fakhar said that Pakistan has limited exports to Australia in terms of mangoes and citrus fruits due to strict regulations of National Plant Protection Organization of Australia. The two dignitaries agreed to review and work towards easement of the regulations. Federal Minister also stressed on the need to import agro-technology and upgrade human resource in agriculture sector of Pakistan. With respect to citrus fruits the two delegations agreed to work together in eradicating the citrus canker disease in order to increase citrus export to Australia from Pakistan. Fakhar said that the export of mangoes to Australia has increased from 2 tonnes in 2013 to 75 tonnes in 2021, however with little focus this number can increase many-fold.
Fakhar said that the export of citrus fruit has increased from 350,000 tonnes to approximately 460,000 tonnes in just one year. Moreover, the export of mangoes has increased from 110,000 tonnes to 142,000 tonnes in the last year. Federal Minister said Pakistan has huge export potential in terms vegetables and fruits such as mango, citrus fruits, apple cherries etc. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has put high priority on the development of high tech, construction and agriculture sector. Minister said that technological exchange between Australia and Pakistan can enhance the agricultural sector of the country.
Australian Trade Commissioner to Pakistan Mr. John Cavanaghon said that upgradation of technology and human resource is the key to revolutionizing agriculture sector. He said that Australia will provide technical agricultural trainings to Pakistan to uplift the quality of human resource. He said that transfer of agro-technology through private sector coordination of both countries can take the agro-economy of Pakistan forward. Australian Trade Commissioner also agreed to enhance agricultural research through transfer of quality human resource to research institutes of the country.
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