Agriculture termed catalyst for enhancing ties with China

LAHORE : Shahzad Ali Malik, recipient of Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Saturday said Pakistan and China can enhance economic ties further for strengthening their relations after realising potential of agriculture sector.

After returning from China following a successful trip with the high-level delegation led by Dr Gohar Ejaz, Federal Minister of Commerce & Industry, Malik said Pakistan can increase its exports to China tremendously in short term by harnessing the potential of agriculture sector.

He said current export to China is recorded at $ 2.53 billion and in coming days our agriculture sector alone has the potential to meet Chinese demand and achieve $ 05 billion realistic export target provided concerted efforts are made by government and private sector.

He particularly saw great trade scope in agro-food, dairy and fruits sectors.

Shahzad expressed satisfaction on the outstanding meetings with government officials and businessmen under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce, Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing and Commercial and Investment Counsellors.

He said many Chinese companies were interested in collaborative venturing, import of goods such as rice, sesame, fruits and vegetables with major cooperation in sectors including agriculture hybrid seed, tools, machinery and Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing in auto sectors.

He said his company has over two decades successful collaboration with Chinese companies and it has been win-win for both of them. We are ambitiously looking forward to work with Chinese in Research & Development and commercialisation of high yielding seeds, agriculture tools and machinery, auto parts and two-wheelers EV manufacturing.

He said we continue to forge ties with Chinese partners on strong footings and technology transfer continues to be priority for strengthening industrial base and enhancing job creation.