Pakistan, Ethiopia agree to boost agricultural cooperation

August 19, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock, food security, agricultural trade, investment and technology transfer, with both sides resolving to move from broad expressions of interest towards result-oriented cooperation focused on specific projects and partnerships.

The agreement came during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain with Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, said a press release issued.

The two sides reviewed the growing potential for agricultural cooperation between the two predominantly agrarian countries and emphasized translating bilateral goodwill into concrete 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, expressing the country's readiness to share its experience and technical expertise with Ethiopia.

He noted that the two countries could significantly expand cooperation in agricultural research, crop productivity, seed development, climate-resilient agriculture, irrigation, mechanization and livestock development, particularly emphasizing 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.

The Federal Minister highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral agricultural trade and improving market access through stronger coordination on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, adding that increased business-to-business linkages and joint ventures could provide a practical pathway for expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

He 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, expressing his country's readiness to enhance collaboration with Pakistan in agriculture, livestock, trade, technology and investment.

Copyright Mettis Link News