ISLAMABAD, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a high-level meeting with Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock, food security, agricultural trade, investment and technology transfer.

The meeting reviewed the growing potential for agricultural cooperation between the two predominantly agrarian countries and emphasized the need to translate bilateral goodwill into concrete projects, trade opportunities and institutional partnerships.

Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s expertise in agricultural research, modern farming technologies, agricultural machinery, irrigation, livestock development and agro-processing, and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to share its experience and technical expertise with Ethiopia.

The Federal Minister noted that Pakistan and Ethiopia could significantly expand cooperation in agricultural research, crop productivity, seed development, climate-resilient agriculture, irrigation, mechanization and livestock development. He particularly emphasized opportunities for promoting Pakistani agricultural machinery, tractors, irrigation solutions and agro-processing expertise in Ethiopia.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in the livestock sector, including animal breeding, veterinary services, disease control, dairy and meat production, feed and fodder development and modern livestock value chains.

Rana Tanveer Hussain underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral agricultural trade and improving market access through stronger coordination on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. He said increased business-to-business linkages and joint ventures could provide a practical pathway for expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

The Minister recalled Pakistan’s proposal to establish a Joint Working Group on Agriculture and Livestock, which would provide an institutional mechanism for regular engagement, technical exchanges and development of specific cooperation programmes.

Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba appreciated Pakistan’s interest in strengthening agricultural cooperation and highlighted Ethiopia’s potential in agricultural commodities and investment. He expressed his country’s readiness to enhance collaboration with Pakistan in agriculture, livestock, trade, technology and investment.

The meeting agreed on the importance of moving from broad expressions of interest towards result-oriented cooperation, with a focus on specific projects, technical collaboration, private-sector partnerships and increased agricultural trade.

Both sides expressed the resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-Ethiopia agricultural relations and explore new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, livestock, food security and investment.