In a significant move to bolster agricultural ties and economic cooperation, Islamabad and Beijing are poised to sign multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) at a major conference in the Pakistani capital today. The event, anticipated to draw hundreds of Chinese and Pakistani companies, is being touted by Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research as a crucial platform for deepening bilateral agricultural relations and fostering broader economic engagement.
The Pakistan–China Agricultural Conference is expected to witness the signing of several MoUs, with 115 Chinese and 165 Pakistani companies participating. This conference underscores a strategic shift in Pakistan-China economic cooperation, expanding beyond the traditional focus on transport and energy projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Since its inception in 2015, CPEC, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has primarily concentrated on enhancing transportation infrastructure, energy generation, and connectivity. Key achievements include the construction of motorways, power plants, and the development of the Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan. These initiatives have been instrumental in addressing Pakistan’s chronic power shortages and improving transport connectivity.
However, both governments have recently shifted their focus towards a “CPEC 2.0” phase, aiming to diversify the corridor’s impact into sectors such as special economic zones, innovation, digital cooperation, and agriculture. This new phase aligns with Pakistan’s ambition to modernize its agricultural sector, attract Chinese technology and investment, and enhance its export potential. High-level talks between planning officials and investors in Beijing have already highlighted the potential for collaboration in areas like livestock, mechanization, and horticulture.
The Islamabad conference will bring together government policymakers, private sector investors, industry associations, and multinational agribusiness firms from both nations. Discussions will revolve around investment opportunities, technology adoption, export expansion, and building linkages with global buyers within the framework of Pakistan-China economic cooperation.
This conference marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between Pakistan and China, signaling a concerted effort to integrate advanced agricultural practices and technology transfer. By fostering collaboration in key agricultural sectors, both countries aim to achieve sustainable growth and economic prosperity. The outcomes of this conference are expected to set the stage for a new era of agricultural innovation and cooperation, benefiting both nations and contributing to the broader goals of the Belt and Road Initiative.