ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan on Thursday discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, agri-business investment, technology transfer and agricultural trade.
During the meeting, the minister said Pakistan was keen to expand collaboration with Canada in areas that contribute to food security, agricultural modernisation and economic growth. He highlighted Canada’s expertise in sustainable agriculture, mechanised farming, seed technology and value-added food production.
Rana Tanveer noted that Pakistan spends around $4-5 billion annually on edible oil imports and expressed interest in benefiting from Canadian experience in canola cultivation, seed development, precision agriculture and agricultural research to help reduce import dependence.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s potential to increase exports of agricultural products, including mangoes, rice, kinnow, dates and halal meat, saying greater cooperation could improve market access and investment opportunities.
The Canadian envoy reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture and agri-business, adding that Canadian provinces and stakeholders were exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors.
Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, livestock, food processing, agricultural technology, research, capacity building and investment.
