ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have signed 78 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth $4.5 billion to boost bilateral investment in agriculture, marking the sector as a priority under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). The agreements were concluded at the Pak-China Agriculture Investment Conference, which focused on private sector engagement and investment […]
Agriculture
Pakistan, China to sign agri MoUs worth millions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are set to sign multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for joint private-sector investments across 10 key agricultural sectors, it emerged from the Pakistan-China Agricultural Investment Conference held in Islamabad on Monday. The agreements are expected to cover agriculture, food processing, livestock, fisheries, agri-inputs, farm machinery, renewable energy, logistics, technology, and value-added […]
Pakistan urged to modernise agriculture for growth and exports
ISLAMABAD: Experts have called for a major shift in Pakistan’s agricultural policy to boost productivity, diversify crops, and enhance exports. Historically, the focus has been on improving crop yields through better seeds, fertilisers, pest control, and extension services. While these measures raised yields modestly, Pakistan’s growth in agricultural output has lagged behind population growth, leaving […]
Balochistan approves Benazir card for farmers
The Balochistan government has approved the launch of the Benazir Kissan Card to provide financial assistance to farmers across the province, marking a new step toward digitised agricultural subsidies and farmer support programmes. Read More: Benazir Hari Card marks new era for farmers, says Memon Officials said the scheme has been formalised through an agreement with HBL […]
Pak-China Innovation Agriculture Cooperation Centre launched
China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) on Friday inaugurated the Pak-China Innovation Agriculture Cooperation Centre at Kasuri Farms in Kasur, Punjab, marking a major milestone in Pakistan-China cooperation in modern and technology-driven agriculture. The centre is designed to promote cutting-edge agricultural research and technology transfer while strengthening collaboration in smart farming, biotechnology, seed development, mechanisation and […]
Sugar deregulation plan stalls amid IMF pressure
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s efforts to carry out full deregulation of the sugar sector under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition have seen little progress, with key provincial legislation yet to move forward despite looming deadlines. Read More: Sugar mills push for deregulation to boost farmers’ profits Officials say the federal government had committed to removing all state intervention in […]
Banks warm to new digital agricultural loan scheme
Banks are showing willingness to participate in the recently launched Zarkhez-e (Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza) initiative, the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) said on Thursday, noting that the scheme has been structured as a commercially viable incentive model for agricultural loan. The statement sought to clarify that lender engagement was based on business logic rather than […]
Pakistan seeks stronger trade and investment ties with Qatar
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has underscored Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Qatar, highlighting the potential for enhanced cooperation in trade and investment. His remarks came on the occasion of Qatar’s National Day, when he extended congratulations to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Qatari people. Read […]
Grand National Olive Gala concludes with strong public turnout in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: The three-day Grand National Olive Gala concluded at F-9 Park on Sunday, attracting an estimated 25,000 visitors, organisers said. The event showcased Pakistan’s growing olive sector and highlighted value-added products, including olive oil, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. Read More: Govt to facilitate growers to boost edible oil production More than 150 stakeholders participated in the […]
Pakistan Unlocks AI Potential with Local Data Centre
Pakistan AI data centre launches to boost artificial intelligence adoption in healthcare, finance, agriculture, and public safety. Telenor and Data Vault opened the first locally hosted sovereign AI cloud. It allows enterprises to access advanced Nvidia GPUs for AI computing. The project ensures all data remains inside Pakistan, enhancing cybersecurity and national data protection. Experts […]