Pakistan and China have agreed to execute a Memorandum of Understanding on disease and pest management to help enhance Pakistan’s agriculture production and exports under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Adnan Khan, a CPEC Authority official, said that the understanding came at a recent online meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Agriculture.
“The JWG fine-tuned the details of establishing a plant pest management centre in Pakistan.” The official said that the focus of the discussions was on establishing agricultural development priorities. “Discussions centered on expanding agricultural mechanisation, growth of agri-value chain, corporate farming, and capacity building via research.”
Adnan Khan said that China’s emergency support was urgently needed since Pakistan was facing the desert locust. Under its second phase, the CPEC is transforming into a “Green Corridor” as it exploits the development potential of Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
The second phase of the multi-billion-dollar project entails the phased execution of a wide range of projects, including short, medium, and long-term.
The second phase is also focused on industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, information technology, and scientific and technological collaboration. The ministry of national food security and research is already working on project ideas in these areas with its equivalent in Beijing.
The first phase of the CPEC created an enabling environment for investment in other industries by filling existing infrastructural and energy gaps. The CPEC Authority official told WealthPK that all the projects were moving along smoothly and would be completed on time. “The Chinese government is assisting Pakistan in diversifying its agriculture industry and improving yields for greater economic growth by developing institutions and cooperating on technology exchange.”
Because of strong collaboration and excellent execution of the first phase of the mega project, there is more connectivity between farms and markets, allowing growers to access not only local but also regional and international markets. The energy projects launched under the CPEC framework have also aided in increasing agricultural production, which had traditionally been hampered by a shortage of energy supplies.—INP
