Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant, Researcher at Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

Agriculture has long stood as the backbone of national economies, and in the case of Pakistan and China, it serves as a foundation for an enduring, mutually beneficial relationship. As China and Pakistan continue to deepen their ties through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—agriculture has emerged as a central pillar of cooperation, promise, and prosperity.

While infrastructure and energy projects dominated the first phase of CPEC, Phase II is ushering in a new era—an era of agricultural modernization, scientific collaboration, technology transfer, and trade expansion. The significance of this transformation cannot be overstated. It holds the power to uplift rural communities, enhance food security, reduce poverty, and drive inclusive growth in Pakistan. More importantly, it stands as a living testament to the strength and sincerity of China-Pakistan friendship.

A Historical Inspiration: China’s Own Agricultural Revolution

To truly appreciate the scope and potential of China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation, one must first revisit China’s own transformation. When China launched its reform and opening-up in 1978, it began with agriculture. Between 1978 and 1984, China successfully lifted around 500 million people out of poverty—an unparalleled feat in human history. The success was not accidental. It was achieved through pragmatic policy reforms, incentives for farmers, land responsibility systems, and most critically, the use of science and technology to modernize the agri-sector.

From being a food-deficient country where even three meals a day were once a challenge, China evolved into a food-secure nation and eventually a net exporter of agricultural products. This transformation continues to serve as an inspiring model for Pakistan. Despite entering the era of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and smart cities, China has never sidelined agriculture. Instead, it remains central to its economic vision, food sovereignty, and rural revitalization strategies.

Pakistan’s Potential: Fertile Land, Abundant Water, Willing Workforce

Pakistan is endowed with over 80 million hectares of cultivable land, a vast irrigation network—one of the world’s largest—and a hardworking agrarian population. However, like many developing nations, Pakistan’s agriculture sector has long been constrained by outdated methods, low yields, post-harvest losses, and lack of value addition. These challenges, though persistent, are not insurmountable—especially when a trusted and experienced friend like China steps forward with open arms, advanced technologies, and decades of experience.

A Transformative Partnership Under CPEC Phase II

The China-Pakistan agricultural partnership under CPEC is now gaining remarkable momentum. On July 3rd, a major milestone was achieved when the China-Pakistan High-Quality Agricultural Cooperation Development Forum was held in Islamabad. Organized by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK), and attended by senior officials, experts, and industry leaders from both nations, the seminar showcased the depth, diversity, and dynamism of this growing partnership.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Minister and Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, articulated a clear message: “China has always maintained openness and worked with other countries to enhance agricultural technology, share agricultural product markets and development experiences.”

This spirit of openness, trust, and mutual development reflects not only China’s foreign policy ethos but also the profound depth of its ties with Pakistan.

Key Achievements and Outcomes

Over the past three years, the fruits of China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation have been both visible and impactful:

Nine New Protocols for Pakistani Agricultural Exports: These protocols have facilitated bilateral agricultural trade of over $1 billion annually, with Pakistan enjoying a consistent trade surplus.

Diversification of Exports: Pakistan has successfully exported heat-treated beef, fresh cherries, and frozen buffalo embryos to China. These are firsts in Pakistan’s export history and demonstrate its growing capacity to meet international sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Buffalo Dairy Products: In February this year, Pakistan’s high-value buffalo dairy products reached China for the first time. By June, 655 tons had been exported—an impressive achievement that opens up new revenue streams for dairy farmers and processors.

Sesame Exports: In just the first five months of 2025, Pakistan’s sesame exports to China exceeded $50 million, a 33% year-on-year increase, making sesame the top agricultural export to China.

These are not isolated statistics; they are indicators of deeper structural progress. Pakistan’s agri-sector is gradually evolving from subsistence farming to commercial, export-oriented, and technology-driven agriculture.

Science, Technology, and Modernization: Learning from the Best

China has made it clear that it is ready and willing to transfer modern agricultural technologies to Pakistan. Whether it is drip irrigation, high-yield hybrid seeds, greenhouse farming, smart sensors, mechanization, or climate-resilient crops, China’s vast agricultural research ecosystem can play a transformative role in building Pakistan’s capacity.

Moreover, partnerships with Chinese research institutions and universities offer Pakistan opportunities to train its young agricultural scientists and engineers. Joint ventures and demonstration farms are being developed where new technologies are tested and adapted to local conditions.

As Mr. Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research of Pakistan, highlighted during the seminar: “We believe that public-private partnerships are essential to modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security for the future.”

This approach is aligned with China’s own successful experience, where coordinated government policy, private enterprise innovation, and grassroots participation have worked together to modernize rural life.

A Role Model for South-South Cooperation

Agriculture is not only an economic sector—it is a source of employment, culture, identity, and resilience. In this context, China-Pakistan cooperation is emerging as a model of South-South collaboration that is rooted in mutual respect, shared challenges, and collective goals.

China’s commitment to working with international organizations like the FAO further strengthens this narrative. As Mrs. Amina Bajwa, Head of Programme at FAO Pakistan, rightly pointed out: “These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable farming systems… They also demonstrate the power of cooperation, not just between governments, but between private enterprises, researchers, and local communities.”

Future Prospects: From Green Fields to Green Economy

Looking ahead, the opportunities are vast. Pakistan can benefit immensely from expanding areas of cooperation such as:

Agri-industrial parks and processing zones to reduce post-harvest losses and increase exports.

Cold chain logistics to ensure freshness and reduce spoilage.

E-commerce platforms to enable Pakistani farmers to directly access Chinese markets.

Joint breeding programs for high-yield and pest-resistant varieties.

Agro-financing mechanisms to empower small and medium farmers.

Organic and halal certifications to capture niche markets abroad.

Furthermore, climate-smart agriculture and water-efficient technologies are crucial areas where Chinese experience can help Pakistan face its environmental challenges with resilience and innovation.

Cultivating a Shared Future

The China-Pakistan agricultural partnership is more than a bilateral initiative—it is a story of hope, a symbol of solidarity, and a catalyst for change. It is proof that when nations cooperate with sincerity, respect, and purpose, they can overcome any challenge—be it poverty, food insecurity, or climate change.

As agriculture emerges as a central pillar of the CPEC framework, both nations are sowing the seeds of a prosperous future. Together, they are cultivating not only crops and livestock but also dreams, dignity, and development.

In the words of Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, “It is imperative for us to deepen international cooperation to promote agricultural development.” Pakistan and China are doing just that—side by side, hand in hand, field by field.

Let us continue nurturing this green alliance—for a food-secure, prosperous, and peaceful tomorrow.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)