China urged to help transform agri sector

BEIJING: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for a major transformation of Pakistan’s agriculture sector through enhanced cooperation with China, proposing that the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) take a leading role in revitalizing Pakistan’s agricultural research institutions and modernizing farming practices.

Addressing a workshop on Pakistan-China agricultural cooperation during his visit to the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing, the prime minister said Pakistan and China’s “iron-clad brotherhood” was entering a new era of economic transformation, particularly in agriculture, research, innovation and rural development.

READ ALSO: Punjab, China sign various MoUs to modernise agri sector

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked CAAS President Professor Dr Huang Sanwen and the faculty for conferring upon him an honorary professorship, saying the distinction was not only an honour for him but for the entire Pakistani nation.

“This year we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. This occasion gives us inspiration and encouragement that together we will transform this iron-clad friendship into a great economic revolution in industry, agriculture, research and development, and other strategic areas,” he said.

The PM described agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and stressed that modern research, innovation and technology were essential for achieving economic independence and empowering the country’s youth.

“When we speak of Pakistan’s future, we speak of our farmers working under scorching heat and harsh winters, scientists working tirelessly in laboratories, and students seeking knowledge in great institutions,” he remarked.

He said Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) needed urgent revitalization and proposed that CAAS play a direct leadership role in reforming the institution and strengthening agricultural research in Pakistan.

“The roadmap is absolutely clear that PARC is dormant. If we have to build our future and empower our youth, then research centres must be revitalized with fresh talent and modern research culture,” he said.

PM Shehbaz Sharif invited CAAS to lead the initiative for transforming Pakistan’s agriculture sector through long-term institutional cooperation, adding that Pakistan wanted the academy to help bring world-class scientists, academics and teachers to the country.

Referring to the Pakistan-China memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation, the PM pledged his irrevocable commitment to achieve long-pending milestones in the agriculture sector with Chinese support.

He announced that Pakistan would continue sending 1,000 fresh agriculture graduates from all four provinces to Chinese universities for advanced training in modern agricultural sciences, technologies and practices.

The PM said the initiative, carried out strictly on merit, would equip young Pakistanis with modern knowledge to revolutionize agriculture upon their return.

“Pakistani students here are the shining stars and future of Pakistan. When you return home equipped with modern techniques and knowledge, you will revolutionize agriculture in Pakistan,” he told the students.

He also announced that he would invite the students to the Prime Minister House upon their return to showcase their talent and exchange ideas on agricultural reforms and innovation.

Highlighting his recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, PM Shehbaz said both sides had agreed to accelerate cooperation under CPEC 2.0, with agriculture placed at the top of the priority list.

“I am deeply touched by President Xi and Prime Minister Li’s remarks that China and Pakistan are all-weather friends and that China will extend all-out support to help Pakistan achieve economic independence,” he said.