Pakistan, Spain vow to deepen agricultural, trade cooperation

July 15, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Spain agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, food security, and trade, with both sides committing to establish a joint working group to institutionalize bilateral engagement in the farm sector.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, held in a cordial atmosphere reflecting longstanding ties between the two countries, said a press release issued.

The Spanish envoy congratulated Pakistan on securing full membership of the International Olive Council (IOC), noting the country's growing role in the global olive sector.

The minister, in response, thanked the Government of Spain and the Spanish Minister of Agriculture for their support in Pakistan's successful IOC bid, saying it had further strengthened the partnership between the two nations.

The ambassador also acknowledged the contribution of nearly 150,000 Pakistanis residing in Spain toward strengthening economic and trade ties, adding that Pakistan enjoys a favourable trade balance with Spain, with textiles remaining among its major exports to the Spanish market.

The minister underlined the need to enhance cooperation with Spain in modern agricultural technologies to boost Pakistan's productivity and climate resilience.

Citing Spain's expertise in precision farming, efficient irrigation, olive cultivation, greenhouse farming, mechanization, and water management, he invited Spanish companies and institutions to partner with Pakistan through technology transfer, research collaboration, and capacity-building programmes.

Such cooperation, he said, would help modernize the farming sector, improve crop yields and quality, conserve water resources, strengthen food security, and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products in international markets.

To formalize the engagement, the minister proposed setting up a Pakistan–Spain Joint Working Group on Agriculture to promote cooperation in research, technology transfer, investment, food security, and trade,  a proposal the Spanish side welcomed, agreeing to explore its early establishment.

The minister further said Pakistan was ready to increase exports of rice, ethanol, potatoes, and maize to the Spanish market, noting that stronger trade partnerships would benefit both countries and support sustainable agricultural growth.

Both sides, concluding the meeting, reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral relations, expand trade, deepen agricultural cooperation, and maintain close collaboration in regional and international forums.

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