Pakistan calls for stronger agricultural and food security cooperation with Egypt

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, speaking during a ceremony marking the national day of Egypt in Islamabad, Pakistan, on July 3, 2025. (Government of Pakistan)
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Updated 04 July 2025
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Pakistan calls for stronger agricultural and food security cooperation with Egypt

  • Pakistan’s food security minister praises Egypt for arid farming and climate-smart technologies
  • He also acknowledges Egypt’s support on global issues and cooperation at multilateral forums

KARACHI: Pakistan on Thursday called for enhanced collaboration with Egypt in agricultural science, biotechnology and food security, citing Egyptian expertise in climate-smart technologies and arid farming during a ceremony held in Islamabad.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain represented Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the event marking Egypt’s National Day, which brought together diplomats, government officials and members of the business community.

“Referring to Egypt’s impressive progress in agricultural development, the Minister called for enhanced collaboration in areas such as agricultural science, seed development, arid farming, capacity building, drip irrigation and climate-smart technologies, where Egypt has notable expertise,” said an official statement issued after the ceremony.

“Hussain emphasized the importance of joint initiatives in food security, biotechnology and sustainable agricultural practices,” it continued.

“He said that Pakistan and Egypt’s shared experience in managing water-scarce environments offers an opportunity for meaningful partnerships between research institutions and private sectors in both nations.”

The minister acknowledged Egypt’s support to Pakistan on regional and international matters and praised the ongoing cooperation at multilateral forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.

Noting the revival of the Pakistan–Egypt Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), Hussain said both governments are working to finalize new bilateral agreements in trade, agriculture, higher education and cultural exchange.

Egypt’s agricultural sector is on an upward trajectory and has witnessed a strong export performance, though environmental constraints remain a concern.


Pakistani, Bangladeshi officials discuss trade, investment and aviation as ties thaw

Updated 28 December 2025
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Pakistani, Bangladeshi officials discuss trade, investment and aviation as ties thaw

  • Pakistan and Bangladesh were once one nation, but they split in 1971 as a result of a bloody civil war
  • Ties between Pakistan, Bangladesh have warmed up since last year and both nations have resumed sea trade

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider on Sunday met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka, the latter's office said on, with the two figures discussing trade, investment and aviation.

Pakistan and Bangladesh were once one nation, but they split in 1971 as a result of a bloody civil war, which saw the part previously referred to as East Pakistan seceding to form the independent nation of Bangladesh.

Ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh have warmed up since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster as a result of a student-led uprising in August 2024. Relations remain frosty between Dhaka and New Delhi over India’s decision to grant asylum to Hasina.

Pakistan has attempted to forge closer ties with Bangladesh in recent months and both South Asian nations last year began sea trade, followed by efforts to expand government-to-government commerce.

"During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and aviation as well as scaling up cultural, educational and medical exchanges to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two South Asian nations," Yunus's office said in a statement on X.

In 2023-24 Pakistan exported goods worth $661 million to Bangladesh, while its imports were only $57 million, according to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. In Aug. this year, the Pakistani and Bangladeshi commerce ministries signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Joint Working Group on Trade, aiming to raise their bilateral trade volume to $1 billion in the financial year that began in July.

The Pakistani high commissioner noted that bilateral trade has recorded a 20 percent growth compared to last year, with business communities from both countries actively exploring new investment opportunities, according to the statement.

He highlighted a significant increase in cultural exchanges, adding that Bangladeshi students have shown strong interest in higher education opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in medical sciences, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Haider also said that Dhaka-Karachi direct flights are expected to start in January.

"Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus welcomed the growing interactions between the two countries and emphasized the importance of increased visits as well as cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges among SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) member states," the statement read.

"Professor Yunus also underscored the need to further boost Bangladesh–Pakistan trade and expressed hope that during Mr. Haider’s tenure, both countries would explore new avenues for investment and joint venture businesses."