- Bilateral Talks Focus on Trade, Investment, Technology Transfer and Food Security
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, with a focus on expanding trade and investment, promoting technology transfer, enhancing food security and developing the livestock sector.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba and Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research in Islamabad.
Proposed Agro-Pact to Institutionalize Cooperation
The two sides explored a range of initiatives to deepen agricultural collaboration, including the proposed establishment of an agro-pact aimed at institutionalizing cooperation and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices between agricultural institutions of both countries.
The initiative could provide a structured framework for joint efforts in agricultural research, innovation, investment and capacity building.
Ethiopia Highlights Green Legacy Initiative
Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba underscored the significant potential for expanded agricultural cooperation between Ethiopia and Pakistan, highlighting the importance of agriculture to Ethiopia’s economy and the priority accorded to the sector by the Ethiopian government.
He briefed the minister on Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, describing it as a comprehensive programme aimed at promoting sustainable development through agricultural growth, food security, climate resilience and the development of a green economy.
The ambassador expressed Ethiopia’s readiness to share its experience and expertise under the Green Legacy Initiative with Pakistan. He also invited Pakistani agricultural entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopia’s expanding agricultural sector.
Ethiopia to Host COP32 in Addis Ababa
The Ethiopian ambassador also briefed the federal minister on his country’s preparations to host the 32nd Conference of the Parties (COP32), scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa in 2027.
The event is expected to provide additional opportunities for international cooperation on climate resilience, sustainable development and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
Pakistan Offers Expertise in Modern Agriculture
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s expertise in agricultural research, modern farming technologies, agricultural machinery, irrigation, livestock development and agro-processing.
He expressed Pakistan’s readiness to share its technical expertise and experience with Ethiopia, emphasizing the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of common interest.
Focus on Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Innovation
The minister noted that Pakistan and Ethiopia could significantly expand collaboration in crop productivity, seed development, climate-resilient agriculture and agricultural mechanization.
He emphasized that closer institutional linkages, technology exchange and private-sector engagement could contribute to increased agricultural productivity, improved food security and greater investment opportunities in both countries.
Building a Stronger Pakistan-Ethiopia Economic Partnership
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of Pakistan and Ethiopia to transforming agricultural cooperation into a broader platform for trade, investment, technology exchange and sustainable development, while strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.
BY: The Times Union
