ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday proposed forming a joint working group with Qatar to expand cooperation in the agriculture sector and identify priority projects, according to state media, while offering to supply a range of food and livestock products to the Gulf country.
Agriculture accounts for about 19 percent of Pakistan’s gross domestic product, and the country has been seeking to raise its productivity and tap new export markets.
The proposal was made during a meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Qatari Ambassador Ali bin Mubarak Al Khater.
“The minister said Pakistan has vast potential to supply high-quality agricultural products, especially halal meat, fruits, vegetables, rice and livestock fodder,” Radio Pakistan said in a report.
“He suggested forming a joint working group in the agriculture sector to develop a formal framework for bilateral cooperation and identify priority projects,” it added.
Hussain also briefed the envoy on new agricultural products, including the production and export of camel milk powder, and invited Qatari investors to explore Pakistan’s farming and food-processing sectors.
He assured of government facilitation under the country’s pro-business policies.
The Qatari ambassador reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening business-to-business ties, according to the report.
He said Pakistan’s rich agricultural base and skilled workforce could play a key role in achieving Qatar’s Food Security Vision 2030.
The envoy also added that Qatar’s commerce minister would soon visit Islamabad to discuss new investment opportunities.
