Pakistan, Ethiopia sign agricultural cooperation agreement to boost food security

October 03, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture and livestock sectors, with plans to establish a Joint Working Group aimed at addressing regional food security challenges and promoting sustainable rural development.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met with Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula in Islamabad to discuss expanding agricultural collaboration between the two nations.

The meeting highlighted the shared agricultural potential of both countries and their commitment to home-grown development models.

Minister Hussain proposed establishing a Joint Working Group on Agriculture and Livestock to facilitate systematic dialogue and cooperation.

The JWG will focus on several key areas including research collaboration, livestock health management, veterinary services enhancement, technology transfer initiatives, irrigation system development and capacity-building through technical exchanges.

"Agriculture in Pakistan holds vast untapped potential, and collaboration with Ethiopia can prove mutually beneficial in strengthening food systems, promoting innovation and advancing rural development," stated Minister Hussain during the meeting.

The Pakistani minister praised Ethiopia's successful adoption of indigenous development strategies, noting the country's remarkable achievements in coffee exports as evidence of its resilient and forward-looking agricultural policies.

He emphasized that Pakistan is also committed to indigenous growth pathways rather than adopting foreign models without local context.

"Ethiopia stands as a role model for developing countries due to its successful adoption of home-grown development models," Hussain remarked, highlighting the African nation's ability to mobilize its population toward sustainable agricultural growth.

Pakistan expressed keen interest in importing high-quality Ethiopian cotton to diversify agricultural imports and strengthen its textile production sector.

The minister also welcomed Ethiopian cooperation in aligning sanitary and phytosanitary standards, which would unlock greater agricultural trade potential between the two nations.

Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula acknowledged Pakistan's strategic vision and emphasized the importance of addressing agricultural challenges within local contexts.

He shared insights into Ethiopia's successful mobilization of its people through home-grown development initiatives.

Minister Hussain highlighted Pakistan's strategic position as a gateway to Central Asia, emphasizing its crucial role in regional trade and connectivity.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting research-based collaboration with Ethiopia for food security, innovation and sustainable agricultural growth.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about enhanced agricultural collaboration.

Minister Hussain emphasized that deeper cooperation will not only strengthen Pakistan-Ethiopia bilateral relations but also contribute significantly to food security, improved rural livelihoods and economic prosperity for both nations.

The proposed Joint Working Group is expected to begin operations soon, marking a new chapter in Pakistan-Ethiopia relations and setting the stage for increased South-South cooperation in addressing global food security challenges.

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