Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, led a high-level delegation to the Ministerial Meeting on Food Security and Agricultural Cooperation in Tehran, marking significant progress in transforming Pakistan-Iran trade relations in the agricultural sector. The meeting resulted in agreements that will boost exports of Pakistani agricultural products to Iran, including rice, mangoes, and meat. The two countries also committed to enhancing cooperation between research institutions to address key challenges in agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iran agreed to source a large portion of its rice imports from Pakistan, primarily relying on public and private sector imports from Pakistan.
  • Pakistan secured firm commitments from Iran to resolve issues in mango exports, including delays in import permits and foreign exchange allocations, expected to boost exports of Pakistani mangoes to Iran.
  • Iran committed to importing around 60% of its meat imports from Pakistan, with a focus on improving quality and efficiency.
  • Iran agreed to import large volumes of maize from Pakistan and pledged to resolve related technical and procedural issues promptly.
  • Pakistan and Iran agreed to enhance cooperation between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Iranian research institutions, focusing on mutual areas of interest such as crop research, livestock breeding, water management, and farmer innovations.
  • A Joint Committee on Agricultural Cooperation was formed to ensure effective implementation of the agreements, with meetings scheduled every six months to monitor progress and address emerging issues.
  • Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to advancing towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to provide a long-term framework for expanding agricultural trade.

Statistics:

  • Iran will import around 60% of its meat from Pakistan.
  • Iran agreed to import large volumes of maize from Pakistan.
  • The two countries agreed to establish a Joint Committee on Agricultural Cooperation to monitor progress and address emerging issues.
  • Meetings between the Joint Committee will be held every six months.

Sources:

  • Home | The News International: Pakistan & Iran agree on new trade cooperation September 18, 2022
  • The Express Tribune: Pakistan, Iran agree to boost trade ties | The Express Tribune