ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye are poised to strengthen economic cooperation with multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs), particularly in the agriculture sector, during President Tayyip Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Pakistan.
Senior officials from both countries’ ministries of national food security and agriculture met on Wednesday to draft an action plan for future collaborations in agriculture and livestock. Pakistan invited Turkiye to invest in livestock vaccination, citing its vast population of 220 million animals, while Turkiye pledged full support in enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural production.
President Erdogan is scheduled to visit Pakistan on February 12 and will co-chair the seventh session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on February 13. The HLSCC serves as the highest-level decision-making forum, guiding bilateral economic relations across seven key sectors, including trade, energy, finance, transport, and education.
Discussions also covered cooperation in organic farming, fisheries, water resources, nursery techniques, and aquaculture breeding. Experts from both sides agreed to establish contact points to facilitate private-sector collaborations.
Acknowledging their strong historical and cultural ties, both nations recognized agriculture and livestock as crucial economic pillars. The partnership aims to introduce innovative solutions to boost agricultural productivity and exports.
Despite Pakistan’s vast arable land and favorable conditions, farm exports remain below potential. Strengthening ties with Turkiye is expected to drive significant improvements in production and trade. The Ministry of National Food Security reiterated its commitment to long-term international partnerships for sustainable agricultural growth.
Story by Amin Ahmed
