ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have signed 78 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth $4.5 billion to boost bilateral investment in agriculture, marking the sector as a priority under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). The agreements were concluded at the Pak-China Agriculture Investment Conference, which focused on private sector engagement and investment matchmaking.
Read More: Pakistan, China to sign agri MoUs worth millions
Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said the MoUs would support modernisation of production and processing systems, strengthen commercial partnerships, and expand trade in key agricultural sub-sectors. Cooperation will cover 10 priority areas, including seed technology, heat-treated beef and offal exports, dairy and cheese production, poultry machinery, aquaculture, food processing, fruit and citrus development, and cold chain infrastructure.
Of the 78 agreements, 37 were business-to-business investment deals, 24 joint ventures, and 14 partnership agreements. Dedicated units are being established at the ministry and Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing to monitor implementation and ensure follow-up.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s current $8 billion agricultural exports, with a government goal to double this figure over the next three years. He noted that the conference was designed to foster direct private sector collaboration and showcase investable projects, value chains, and policy reforms.
Officials also announced plans to sign more than 25 sanitary and phytosanitary protocols in 2026, introduce a new seed policy, and develop a national agricultural biotechnology framework to facilitate GMO seeds. Future export opportunities for pesticides and fertilisers are being explored for regional and African markets.
Read More: Pakistan China expand agriculture investment partnership
The conference saw participation from 165 Pakistani and 116 Chinese companies, promoting partnerships across production, value addition, and export-focused initiatives. Pakistan’s annual fruit and vegetable output exceeds 10 million and 9 million tonnes respectively, with domestic demand rising by over 5 percent annually, further highlighting the sector’s growth potential.