Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting today with a visiting delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to review ongoing collaborative efforts and explore future opportunities in Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors.
The FAO delegation was led by Mr. Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director General and Director of the Animal Production and Health Division. Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, who is concluding her four-year tenure, was also present in the meeting.
Discussions revolved around FAO’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan, which dates back to 1947 and now includes projects in 94 districts across the country. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain appreciated FAO’s extensive contributions, particularly in strengthening agriculture through the provision of global best practices, technical expertise, and policy support. He welcomed FAO’s newly approved Global Work Plan developed in consultation with 194 member states and expressed Pakistan’s strong interest in participating in its implementation.
The Minister expressed Pakistan’s commitment to revitalizing the agriculture and livestock sectors to ensure food security and enhance value-added exports. He emphasized the government’s interest in mobilizing foreign investment and appreciated FAO’s willingness to support such initiatives under the new work plan. Mr. Thanawat Tiensin highlighted the immense potential of Pakistan’s livestock sector and acknowledged the government’s efforts to bring transformation in disease control, food safety, and export readiness.
The Minister informed the delegation about the recent establishment of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA). He noted that Pakistan intends to model this authority on Egypt’s successful institutional framework. Egypt’s NAFSA has been recognized as a strong model for food security governance, and Pakistan aims to benefit from its experience. To further this learning, Pakistan will send a technical delegation to Egypt to study the institutional mechanisms and best practices adopted there.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister also emphasized the need to revive Pakistan’s Agriculture Minister’s representation at FAO, which has been vacant since 2017.
Mr. Thanawat Tiensin recommended Brazil’s agricultural transformation model for Pakistan to study, citing its progress from food insecurity to becoming a global food exporter through research and innovation. The Minister also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to reviving the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and aligning it with the Prime Minister’s vision for science-led agricultural development. He further expressed interest in expanding collaboration with leading research institutions in China and Europe.
FAO briefed the Minister on several key global events planned in the coming months, including the Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation (Rome, September 29 to October 1, 2025), the Global Exhibition on Seed for Food (October 10–12, 2025), and the World Food Forum (October 10–17, 2025), all of which Pakistan will actively engage with.
The Minister appreciated the role of Mr. Mehboob, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to FAO, in strengthening diplomatic engagement. It was also noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, FAO mobilized USD 20 million to support Pakistan in bolstering its animal health systems and disease response capabilities.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain concluded the meeting by reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its partnership with FAO. He reiterated that sustainable agriculture, livestock development, and food security remain top priorities for the Government of Pakistan and welcomed continued collaboration in all areas of mutual interest.
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