BEIJING: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged stronger collaboration with China to modernize and transform Pakistan’s agriculture sector, describing it as a key step toward economic self-reliance.
While addressing a high-level workshop on Pakistan-China agricultural cooperation at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) in Beijing, the Prime Minister proposed that CAAS take the lead in reviving Pakistan’s agricultural research and updating outdated farming practices.
Iron-Clad Friendship Enters New Era
PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the longstanding “iron-clad brotherhood” between Pakistan and China is now moving toward deeper economic cooperation, with agriculture, innovation, and rural development at the forefront.
Speaking after receiving an honorary professorship from CAAS, he expressed gratitude to CAAS President Professor Dr. Huang Sanwen and the faculty, calling the honour a recognition for the entire Pakistani nation.
“This year we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. This milestone motivates us to turn our strong friendship into a real economic revolution in agriculture, industry, research, and development,” he said.
Agriculture: The Backbone of Pakistan’s Economy
The Prime Minister stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and that modern technology and research are essential to boost productivity and empower the country’s youth.
“When we talk about Pakistan’s future, we see our farmers working in harsh conditions, scientists in laboratories, and students gaining knowledge in top institutions,” he remarked.
He pointed out that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is in urgent need of revival. PM Shehbaz proposed that CAAS should directly lead efforts to reform PARC and inject fresh talent and modern research culture into Pakistan’s agricultural institutions.
Major Initiatives and Student Training
In a significant announcement, the Prime Minister said Pakistan will continue sending 1,000 agriculture graduates from across all four provinces to Chinese universities every year for advanced training in modern farming techniques and technologies.
“These Pakistani students are the future of our country,” he told the young scholars. “When you return home with new knowledge and skills, you will transform agriculture in Pakistan.”
He also revealed plans to invite these graduates to the Prime Minister’s House upon their return to discuss ideas for agricultural reforms and innovation.
CPEC 2.0 Focus on Agriculture
Referring to his recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, PM Shehbaz said both leaders have agreed to accelerate cooperation under CPEC 2.0, placing agriculture high on the priority list.
“I am deeply touched by their assurance that China will extend full support to help Pakistan achieve economic independence,” he added.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to building long-term institutional ties between scientists, universities, and researchers of both countries.
Centres of Excellence in the Pipeline
Earlier, CAAS President Professor Dr. Huang Sanwen noted that over 300 Pakistani students have already received training at the academy. Coordinator to the Prime Minister, Ahmed Umair, highlighted plans to establish five Centres of Excellence at PARC with Chinese collaboration. These centres will focus on areas such as genomic crop research, livestock improvement, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable water management, and food processing.
This growing partnership is expected to bring world-class expertise, advanced technologies, and institutional reforms to Pakistan’s agriculture sector — a vital move to increase productivity, support farmers, and strengthen the rural economy.
