Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar on Wednesday said the government was focusing on developing the agriculture sector on modern lines to improve the livelihoods of small farmers and enhance its contribution in the national economy noting that agriculture constitutes the largest sector of economy. He stated that in this regard agriculture cooperation with China will be enhanced under CPEC framework. The Minister was talking to Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan who called on him in Islamabad today. Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan, Secretary National Food Security Dr. Muhammad Hashim Popalzai and Project Director CPEC Hassan Daud were also present in the meeting. Minister for Planning said efforts are underway to initiate joint ventures with leading Chinese agriculture companies in various sectors of agriculture to enhance agricultural output and value addition. He highlighted that there was a lot of scope for increasing cooperation between the countries particularly in areas of livestock, fisheries, citrus, mango, rice, potatoes and horticulture. Makhdum Khusro apprised that CPEC Business Advisory Council has been constituted which will have representation from leading companies dealing in various sectors including agriculture. The purpose of Council will be to identify new areas for future collaboration with China under CPEC.
Agri cooperation with China to be enhanced under CPEC: Minister
Published on: April 4, 2019 12:50 AM