Islamabad:Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, met with the French Ambassador to Pakistan today to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture. The minister welcomed the ambassador and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to expanding agricultural trade, research, and technology exchange with France.
Discussions focused on increasing Pakistan’s agricultural exports, including rice, mangoes, spices, sesame seeds, maize, and organic products, while also exploring opportunities for importing French seed potatoes. The total bilateral agri-trade reached US$ 39 million in 2024, with Pakistan exporting US$ 35.5 million worth of goods and importing US$ 3.5 million from France.
Discussions also focused on importing French seed potatoes into Pakistan. A Pakistani delegation visited France in June 2024 to assess its phytosanitary system and finalize the Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). The audit report has been submitted, and further discussions are underway to finalize market access protocols.
Both sides also discussed Pakistan Agricultural Research Council’s (PARC) collaboration with French institutions in areas such as climate-resilient crop breeding, oilseed research, aquaponics, honey quality control, and advanced germplasm conservation. Further, Pakistan and France explored new initiatives in livestock and fisheries, including joint ventures in fish farming, aquaculture technology, and genetic improvement of cattle.
Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the potential for French investment in hybrid seed production and joint ventures in seed testing and DNA fingerprinting. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperation through trade, research, and investment.
The Ministry of National Food Security & Research remains dedicated to fostering global partnerships, enhancing agricultural standards, and ensuring sustainable food security in Pakistan.
