Chinese Ambassador Mr. Yao Jing called on Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar here in Islamabad today. Chinese Ambassador expressed his confidence upon Khusro Bakhtiar as former Minister for Planning & Development, viz a viz his contribution towards the expansion of phase - II of CPEC and his considerable contributions therein. He also acknowledged his dedicated efforts for giving new impetus to agricultural cooperation under CPEC.
Federal Secretary, Chairman PARC and other officials of the Ministry were also present.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing said China is eager to import meat, potato, onion, mango and cherry from Pakistan and Chinese experts will visit quarantine facilities here In February this year. Chinese Ambassador further said that China wants to build stronger socio-economic ties with Pakistan; and also wants to buy more from Pakistan.
Federal Minister Khusro Bakhtiar said that we are focusing on strategically structuring agriculture under CPEC. He added that we want enhanced productivity of cotton which has considerably plummeted, both countries could work on exchange of pest resistant, high yielding germplasm(s) of cotton and it is heartening to note that a Pak- China Centre of Excellence is going to be established in Multan with close coordination of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) to formulate a holistic strategy for the said purpose.
Khusro Bakhtiar also apprised the Chinese Ambassador regarding the ongoing threat posed by locust and efforts to contain the menace.
Minister National Food Security added that under Prime Minister’s Agriculture Emergency Program we are leaving no stone unturned to align this sector with international standards, and for that we need to equip it with modern agricultural machinery, low cost of production and modern research. He further said that before next meeting of JWG both countries must work together to finalize the plan of execution.
Ambassador Yao Jing said that China has a great demand for meat and poultry and it could be lucrative international market for Pakistan and both countries must work together for removal of technical barriers like SPS and quarantine requirements.
Federal Minister said that we are moving ahead to collaborate in achieving FMD free zone and a memorandum for the establishment of FMD free zone is currently negotiated by both sides. He added that we believe in ease of doing business and if we collaborate for the elimination of FMD it will boost our meat export to China. Federal Minister further underlined the importance of mutual cooperation in areas of value addition and food processing of horticultural crops.
It is pertinent to mention that Federal Minister nominated focal person from National Food Security and Research for coordination and Chinese side has also appointed Agriculture Councilor as their focal person.
Federal Minister expressed his pleasure and satisfaction that bilateral relations are growing in right direction. It was agreed in the meeting that the second session of Joint Working Group (JWG) may be held in the first week of April, 2020 in Beijing.
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