PAS Forum Keen to Develop Projects with Chinese Agriculture Agencies

by Mariam Raheem
ISLAMABAD, Jan. 18 (Gwadar Pro) – “The PAS Forum is willing to promote the development of indigenous agriculture in Pakistan and has the ability to work with Chinese agricultural funding agencies to develop joint projects of great significance.” Dr. Abdul Wakeel, President of Pakistan Agricultural Scientists(PAS) Forum told Gwadar Pro recently. 
Dr. Abdul suggested collaboration with the private sector in Pakistan through which academia and research institutions of the two countries could work together to carry out better and more effective research. "Consistent with our aim, we can hold seminars with Chinese institutions to come up with solutions to agriculture-related problems with the support of the local private sector and the public sector of the government, including research institutions."
With regard to the exchanges and cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese agricultural research institutions, Dr. Abdul said that many Pakistani students are engaged in different agricultural fields in China. Some of them have returned to Pakistan with China's advanced technology which is an important element for promoting the progress of agriculture in the country. 
Scientists and students should carry out research projects that can solve practical problems in Pakistan. “As a major importer of Chinese seeds and pesticides, China can strengthen its cooperation with Pakistani scientists in research and development, so that Pakistan can produce local products and save foreign exchange on imported agrochemical products with the help of Chinese side.” Dr. Abdul stated.
 “A transparent system should be established in research institutions, academia and universities, giving them impact-oriented tasks for national issues with full support.” Abdul added that, “Chinese organizations can also invest in research in this regard.”
Pakistan’s agriculture sectorhas a huge potential to grow. The Chinese cooperation in revamping Pakistan’s agriculture sector can create huge dividends for both countries. Apart from research, both countries must also enter JVs to bring in private capital and create a more progressive agriculture system in the country. With right quarantine system in place, Pakistan can export agricultural products worth millions of dollars to China.