Pakistan, Canada to deepen agri cooperation

October 29, 2025 (MLN): Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has proposed enhanced collaboration with Canada in hybrid seed development, livestock breeding, embryo transfer, and feed formulation.

He also suggested establishing joint ventures in agricultural machinery manufacturing to help modernize Pakistan’s farming infrastructure.

The Minister made these remarks during a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Tarik Ali Khan, where both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral agricultural cooperation and facilitate trade in agri-products.

Rana Tanveer also sought Canada’s technical assistance in finalizing Pakistan’s BSE negligible risk dossier and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) control program, key prerequisites for accessing high-value global meat markets.

He emphasized that collaboration in these areas would not only enhance Pakistan’s livestock standards but also help boost exports of halal and processed meat products.

Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to diversify edible oil imports, the Minister said the country aims to reduce its over $4 billion dependence on palm oil by shifting towards canola and soybean oils, which are both healthier and more environmentally sustainable.

He added that canola farming has become increasingly profitable for local growers, with the government extending support through technology transfer and market facilitation.

Rana Tanveer informed the High Commissioner that the Ministry of Climate Change has approved 43 GMO events, with the final notification in process, paving the way for GMO canola imports from Canada in line with international biosafety and food safety standards.

He appreciated Canada’s proposal to host a delegation from Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection to visit Canadian laboratories and inspection facilities, saying the initiative would help build confidence and lift the moratorium on GMO canola imports.

The Minister also welcomed ongoing coordination with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and acknowledged progress in finalizing the Veterinary Health Certificate for live animal imports and cooperation on the export of day-old chicks and hatching eggs.

He underscored the importance of CFIA certification to expand Pakistan’s halal gelatin, sheep casings, and processed chicken exports.

High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan lauded Pakistan’s growing agricultural potential and commitment to sustainable farming.

He reaffirmed Canada’s willingness to expand trade in oilseeds, pulses, cereals, and edible oils, and expressed optimism that enhanced regulatory cooperation would soon enable the resumption of GMO canola imports.

He invited Pakistan to participate in the 19th Annual Canadian Summit on Food Safety in April 2026 and confirmed a Canadian delegation’s participation in the Pakistan Edible Oil and Seed Exporters Conference in January 2026.

Concluding the meeting, both sides agreed to form a Joint Working Group (JWG) to ensure progress on certification, market access, and technical collaboration, reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding agricultural and economic ties between Pakistan and Canada.

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