Government seeks technology transfer, local manufacturing and research partnerships to strengthen food security and modernise agriculture
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has invited Chinese agribusiness giant FAMSUN Group to expand its investment in the country’s agriculture sector by developing modern grain storage infrastructure, transferring advanced technologies and establishing local manufacturing facilities for agricultural equipment.
The invitation was extended by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain during a high-level meeting with a FAMSUN delegation led by its Chief Executive Officer, Jack Chen. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in agricultural modernisation, grain storage, agri-processing and technology transfer.
Pakistan seeks deeper agricultural partnership with China
Welcoming the delegation, Rana Tanveer Hussain said Pakistan greatly values its longstanding strategic partnership with China and appreciates the confidence shown by leading Chinese companies in the country’s agricultural and economic potential.
He noted that Pakistan-China cooperation is entering a new phase, with increased emphasis on agricultural development, industrial collaboration, innovation, technology transfer and value addition.
The minister also acknowledged FAMSUN’s contribution to Pakistan’s agri-food sector over the past two decades, particularly in modernising feed milling, grain handling and food processing industries, and encouraged the company to further expand its presence through long-term investments and strategic partnerships.
Modern grain storage a key priority
Highlighting the importance of strengthening food security, the minister invited FAMSUN to establish a nationwide network of modern grain silos equipped with advanced storage technology.
He said scientific grain storage facilities would help reduce post-harvest losses, improve supply chain efficiency, preserve agricultural commodities and enhance Pakistan’s overall food security.
Rana Tanveer Hussain stressed that Pakistan is seeking a comprehensive partnership that goes beyond infrastructure development to include technology transfer, local manufacturing, research collaboration, skills development and employment generation.
Focus on technology transfer and local manufacturing
During the meeting, both sides discussed cooperation in several priority areas, including:
• Development of modern grain storage systems;
• Expansion of agri-processing infrastructure;
• Modernisation of the livestock feed industry;
• Introduction of advanced agricultural technologies to improve productivity; and
• Establishment of local manufacturing and assembly facilities for agricultural machinery.
The minister encouraged FAMSUN to explore opportunities to manufacture advanced agricultural equipment in Pakistan to support the country’s farming sector while reducing reliance on imports.
Pilot grain silo proposed at PARC
The discussions also covered a proposal to establish a pilot demonstration grain silo at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
According to the minister, the project could serve as a model for showcasing modern grain storage technologies while supporting agricultural research and providing practical training for scientists, researchers and industry professionals.
He invited FAMSUN to send a technical team to visit PARC and evaluate opportunities for future collaboration in research, innovation and technological development.
Human resource development
Rana Tanveer Hussain also highlighted the need to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural workforce through greater academic and technical cooperation with Chinese institutions.
He emphasised expanding training opportunities for Pakistani scientists, researchers, technicians and agricultural graduates to enhance research capacity and accelerate the adoption of modern farming technologies.
FAMSUN expresses interest
The FAMSUN delegation welcomed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to agricultural modernisation and investment facilitation.
Representatives of the company shared FAMSUN’s global expertise in intelligent agriculture, advanced grain storage systems and agri-food technologies, expressing their willingness to work closely with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to develop practical proposals centred on innovation, technology transfer, research collaboration, capacity building and sustainable agricultural development.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the strong Pakistan-China partnership and a shared commitment to translating the discussions into concrete initiatives aimed at modernising Pakistan’s agriculture, strengthening food security and attracting greater investment into the agri-food sector.