Pakistan’s renewed commitment to strengthening its strategic economic partnership with China, particularly in agriculture and food security, reflects both pragmatic policymaking and long-term vision. Addressing the Pakistan–China Investment Conference, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain outlined a clear message: Pakistan is not only open for Chinese investment but is determined to provide an enabling, investor-friendly ecosystem where partnerships can thrive, innovate and deliver shared prosperity.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, employing a large portion of the workforce and sustaining rural livelihoods. Yet, chronic challenges such as low productivity, outdated farming practices, weak infrastructure and high post-harvest losses have constrained its true potential. In this context, deeper collaboration with China particularly under the framework of CPEC Phase II offers a timely opportunity to modernize the sector through technology transfer, industrial integration and value addition.
The minister’s emphasis on making Pakistan a place where Chinese enterprises can “grow, innovate and succeed” signals a shift from transactional investment to long-term partnership. The signing of 41 memorandums of understanding in September 2025, covering modern farming, livestock, fisheries, mechanization and advanced technologies, underscores this evolving approach. These initiatives are not merely symbolic; if implemented effectively, they can enhance productivity, strengthen food security and expand export capacity, while fostering mutual trust between the two nations.
Trade figures further highlight the depth of the economic relationship. With Pakistan’s exports to China reaching $2.38 billion in fiscal year 2024–25 and imports standing at $16.3 billion, the scale of engagement remains substantial despite global economic pressures. While the trade imbalance persists, the resilience shown under the China–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement demonstrates that there is ample room to diversify exports, particularly through processed and high-value agricultural products.
Senior officials reinforced this narrative by identifying agriculture as a key driver of sustainable growth. Secretary Saif Anjum rightly pointed out that existing gaps in productivity and infrastructure also represent investment opportunities. Priority areas such as agri-inputs, farm machinery, food processing, dairy and meat offer significant scope for joint ventures that can benefit from Chinese expertise and Pakistan’s vast resource base. The government’s ambition to double agricultural exports within five years under the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan reflects growing confidence in the sector’s future.
Equally important are the institutional reforms highlighted by the Board of Investment and the Federal Board of Revenue. Liberal investment policies, full repatriation of profits, digital customs procedures and zero-duty incentives on key agricultural inputs collectively send a positive signal to foreign investors. Initiatives such as the Asaan Karobar framework and facilitation through SIFC further strengthen Pakistan’s case as a competitive investment destination.
Ultimately, the success of Pakistan–China agricultural cooperation will depend on consistent policy implementation, transparency and local capacity building. If matched with effective governance and farmer inclusion, this partnership can transform Pakistan’s agricultural landscape, reinforce food security and contribute to regional economic stability. The path forward demands ambition, mutual respect and sustained commitment principles that have long defined the Pakistan–China relationship.