Pakistan, China strengthen agricultural standards

July 16, 2026 (MLN): The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and the Chengdu Institute of Standardization have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to expand collaboration in agricultural standardization, food quality, scientific research, and talent development.

The agreement is aimed at improving the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products in global markets through closer cooperation in research, academic exchanges, and capacity building, reflecting deepening Pakistan-China collaboration in agricultural modernization, according to APP.

Under the LOI, both institutions will facilitate expert exchanges, jointly conduct training programmes on standardization and quality management, organize academic forums and conferences, and encourage participation in each other’s major international events.

The partnership also provides for joint research in standards, metrology, inspection, testing, certification, accreditation, and market access. Both sides will support collaborative research initiatives and establish a long-term framework for scientific cooperation.

In addition, the institutions will create a shared database of research resources, exchange expert networks, and promote research findings through their respective academic platforms.

The agreement also covers faculty development, student and staff exchange programmes, curriculum development, academic publications, and jointly hosted seminars, workshops, and international conferences.

Speaking to China Economic Net (CEN), UAF Professor Dr. Waseem Akram said agricultural standardization is essential for improving product quality and maintaining consistent benchmarks.

He said Pakistan could benefit from China's experience in developing a structured standardization framework, adding that the country's rapidly expanding food industry requires stronger quality assurance systems backed by internationally recognized laboratories.

Dr. Akram added that collaboration with the Chengdu Institute of Standardization could support the establishment of provincial-level biotechnology, food science, and technology laboratories while helping train young researchers and strengthen Pakistan's understanding of modern quality management systems.

Former UAF associate professor Dr. Abid Ali said excessive reliance on chemical pesticides, particularly in cotton, mango, and rice production, continues to pose environmental and export-quality challenges.

He noted that greater research into environmentally friendly alternatives and safer production methods would support sustainable agriculture and align with the objectives of the Green Pakistan Initiative.

The partnership comes as Pakistan seeks to modernize its agricultural sector through improved quality standards, scientific innovation, and stronger alignment with international certification systems while expanding cooperation with China in agricultural technology and sustainable farming.

Pakistan's Export Strategy 2023–2027 identifies poor quality standards, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, outdated production practices, inadequate traceability, and weak implementation of hygiene measures among the key constraints limiting the country's agricultural exports.

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