Islamabad : Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to explore new avenues for cooperation in agriculture, with a particular focus on improving cotton production, strengthening research capabilities and introducing modern farming techniques.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan in Islamabad.
During the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s interest in benefiting from Egypt’s expertise to increase cotton output and enhance the quality of locally produced cotton. He said Egypt’s experience in developing improved cotton varieties, producing high-grade seeds, managing crops efficiently and adding value to agricultural products could offer valuable lessons for Pakistan.
The minister said closer cooperation between the two countries could help Pakistan address challenges facing its cotton sector and improve both productivity and quality.
He also proposed expanding collaboration beyond cotton to a number of other agricultural fields. These include efficient irrigation methods that can reduce water consumption, improved seed development, biotechnology, climate-smart farming, agricultural mechanisation, livestock, horticulture and joint research.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said Pakistan was keen to adopt successful technologies and practical farming methods developed in Egypt. He stressed that stronger links between agricultural research institutions could facilitate the exchange of expertise, technological knowledge and innovative solutions for farmers.
The minister also called for greater interaction between relevant institutions in both countries, saying that stronger institutional ties could help turn agricultural research into practical initiatives capable of benefiting farmers and improving overall production.
Egyptian Ambassador Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan welcomed Pakistan’s proposals and expressed his country’s willingness to further expand cooperation in the agricultural sector.
The ambassador assured the minister that Egyptian institutions concerned with agriculture would be encouraged to identify areas of common interest and explore opportunities for joint work with their Pakistani counterparts.
Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening agricultural ties, promoting institutional exchanges and developing practical initiatives aimed at improving productivity, adopting modern technologies and supporting sustainable agricultural development in Pakistan and Egypt.
