ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are set to sign multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for joint private-sector investments across 10 key agricultural sectors, it emerged from the Pakistan-China Agricultural Investment Conference held in Islamabad on Monday. The agreements are expected to cover agriculture, food processing, livestock, fisheries, agri-inputs, farm machinery, renewable energy, logistics, technology, and value-added exports.
Read More: China, Pakistan sign MoUs to deepen industry education training
The conference drew strong participation from both countries’ private sectors, with 119 Chinese and 191 Pakistani companies attending, reflecting growing commercial interest. Agriculture has been elevated as a priority area of cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), signalling a stronger focus on modernising the sector.
“China is one of Pakistan’s closest friends, and the two countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. Pakistan looks forward to welcoming President Xi Jinping as the most honored guest to mark these celebrations. Pakistani farmers, agri-houses, experts, and… pic.twitter.com/NDyRmE4KIb
— PMLN (@pmln_org) January 20, 2026
The 10 priority sub-sectors identified for investment include agro-chemicals and inputs, agricultural machinery, food processing, meat and poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables, animal feed, fisheries, cold chain systems, and food-grade packaging. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research announced plans to sign more than 25 sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and export protocols with trading partners, including China, in 2026.
Despite fertile land and low labour costs, Pakistan faces a productivity gap estimated at $95 billion due to limited technology adoption and weak infrastructure. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government is committed to facilitating Chinese investors, easing regulatory processes, and ensuring coordination with all relevant departments.
Read More: Pakistan signs MoUs with China to strengthen industry
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s untapped agricultural potential and said the sector could be transformed “not in years, but in months” by adopting modern technologies, strengthening value chains, improving cold storage, and promoting value addition. He praised China’s achievements in technology, manufacturing, and export competitiveness, stressing that Pakistan must aim to generate an agricultural trade surplus with Chinese collaboration.