Pakistan and China Collaborate to Enhance Dairy Industry Cooperation
The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Animal Agriculture Association of Jinan, aimed at boosting cooperation in the dairy sector. This agreement was announced during a think-tank session held at the PCJCCI Secretariat. PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain emphasized the growing demand for premium dairy products in China, which could pave the way for the modernization of Pakistan's dairy industry.
Hussain stated that the MoU is designed to facilitate technology transfer in dairy production, improve livestock management practices, and foster skill development and research collaborations. As one of the world's largest milk producers, Pakistan generates over 60 million tonnes of milk each year. The collaboration seeks to leverage Chinese technologies and management systems to enhance Pakistan's productivity and competitiveness in the dairy sector.
The collaboration is expected to focus on several key areas including policy coordination, technical support, and market facilitation, as outlined by the Animal Agriculture Association of Jinan, which is affiliated with the Jinan Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This association has been pivotal in integrating industry resources and providing comprehensive services across the livestock and dairy value chain for over three decades.
Brigadier (retd) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh, Senior Vice President of PCJCCI, highlighted the exponential growth in China's dairy imports, which have increased at a compound annual growth rate of over 12 percent. He noted the potential for structured collaboration to accelerate dairy modernization and human resource development in Pakistan.
Supporting this initiative, Zafar Iqbal, Vice President of PCJCCI, pointed out the heavy reliance of China on dairy imports fr om countries such as New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Australia. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to enhance its dairy export capabilities and improve domestic production standards through proactive government measures and technological support from Chinese partners.
PCJCCI Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif underscored the significance of animal husbandry in Pakistan's agricultural economy, especially in regions like Balochistan, wh ere the Gwadar Port presents opportunities for cattle and dairy farming expansion. He advocated for adopting China's advanced animal agriculture value chain models to create beneficial outcomes and promote sustainable bilateral cooperation.
