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By Sabeeh Zanair :
Pakistan and China have moved to deepen cooperation in high-tech agriculture, with Pakistan’s ambassador proposing joint smart greenhouse projects during a visit to eastern China.
Khalil Hashmi put forward the предложения during meetings in Shouguang, a city known for its advanced agricultural systems, as both sides explored ways to translate existing cooperation into practical, technology-driven initiatives.
The visit coincided with Pakistan being named Guest Country of Honour at the China (Shouguang) International Vegetable Science & Technology Expo, an event that also marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and highlighted growing collaboration in agriculture.
During talks with local officials, including Shouguang Mayor Zhao Tianbao, the Pakistani delegation was briefed on the city’s model of integrated agri-value chains and smart greenhouse farming. Ambassador Hashmi said Pakistan offered significant agricultural potential but faced challenges in areas such as technology adoption, productivity and climate resilience.
Both sides discussed pilot projects focused on protected cultivation and smart greenhouses in Pakistan, signalling a shift towards applied cooperation aimed at improving yields and resource efficiency.
The delegation also visited agricultural technology firms and demonstration centres, where advanced systems enabling multiple crop cycles and higher productivity were showcased. Officials said discussions centred on adapting these models to Pakistan’s conditions, particularly in response to water shortages and climate variability.
At the expo, Ambassador Hashmi inaugurated Pakistan’s national pavilion, displaying agricultural products and cultural exports including basmati rice, pink rock salt and handicrafts, in an effort to boost trade and business links.
In his address, he encouraged Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture sector through joint ventures in greenhouse technology and sustainable food systems, pointing to incentives such as special economic zones and investor-friendly policies.
He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and Shandong province in agricultural research and training, describing it as a foundation for expanding collaboration into areas such as seed development, efficient irrigation, post-harvest processing and cold-chain logistics.
Looking ahead, the ambassador proposed further knowledge-sharing initiatives, including expert exchanges and a dedicated symposium in Pakistan, aimed at adapting Chinese agricultural innovations to local needs.
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