Pak-Argentina sign MoU to boost cooperation in agro-tech
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and Argentina signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Agriculture.
Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan and his Argentina counterpart Minguel Campos signed the MoU on Thursday in Buenos. The MoU contemplates exchange of scientists, research and expertise including in biotechnology. The MoU will facilitate joint research in agro-technology including oilseed and hybrid seed production in Pakistan. It will also help in joint ventures in livestock and dairy production in Pakistan. The MoU also covers import and export of agri-products, says a press release received from Pakistan Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan during his meeting with his Argentina counterpart highlighted specific areas in which Pakistan was looking for mutually beneficial collaboration with Argentina. The Minister invited Argentina entrepreneurs to enter into joint venture projects for meat production and processing in Pakistan for supply to local market as well as to the neighbouring Gulf Countries. The Argentina side shoed interest in supplying hybrid sunflower seeds to Pakistan and offered technical assistance in improving dairy production including pasteurizing and distribution infrastructure.
Other areas of cooperation identified included sugar cane, wheat and cotton production.
The Federal Minister sought opening of the Argentina market to Pakistan basmati rice, mangoes and kinnoo. The Argentina side agreed to help Pakistan in meeting the statutory requirements of imports of food commodities in Argentina to enable to market these products. Similarly, Minguel Campos also responded positively to the Federal Minister’s request for invitation to visit Pakistan with a delegation of technical experts and livestock and farmers next year.
The Federal Minister and the accompanying delegation visited various research, biotechnology and farming facilities. They also visited livestock and agriculture farms and a meat processing plant. Member of the delegation also pursued separate engagement of relevant technical nature.