ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Mr Oybek Usmanov called on the Federal Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam here in his office on Wednesday.

The Minister welcomed the Uzbekistan’s interest in investing in development of agriculture machinery in Pakistan via joint ventures. He said Pakistan’s 60% exports are of textile industry. He said Pakistan has predominantly agro-economy and value addition in this sector is vital for future economic growth. He said Pakistan exported 3.7 Mn tonne of rice last year and this year has twice of that available for export.

The Minister welcomed the Uzbekistan’s interest in importing rice from Pakistan. He said the two countries can immensely benefit from exchange in agriculture research and value-added technologies. He praised the quality of mechanization in Uzbekistan saying that Uzbekistan and Pakistan have huge trade potential. The two dignitaries agreed to enhance bilateral trade especially agriculture trade.

Mr. Oybek Usmanov, told the federal minister that Uzbekistan is ready to increase multifaceted cooperation with Pakistan. He said high level engagement between the two countries is expected to reap fruitful results for both countries. He said Pakistani agricultural products have huge potential if they are converted into value added products through processing. He said Pakistan is a key exporter of citrus fruits and Rice to Uzbekistan.

The Ambassador said that they have high level cotton seed available that is pest and draught resistant which can increase Pakistan’s cotton output. He said exchange of technical knowledge can benefit both the countries. Fakhar Imam said Pakistan has immense export potential with respect to citrus fruits, rice, mangoes, onion, potatoes, fisheries and livestock etc.

He said Pakistan has 8 Mn tonnes of rice which can be exported. Fakhar Imam acknowledged that value added industry needs to be set up by Pakistan to fully take advantage of its agricultural products. He said Pakistan exported appx 144,000 tonnes of mangoes internationally and hence its export to Uzbekistan also has huge potential.

The Ambassador showed great interest in importing Rice from Pakistan. He said Uzbekistan was greatly interested in increasing trade between the two countries. The two dignitaries agreed to further enhance cooperation and collaboration. The Minister said that Pakistan faces a number of challenges but with the right policy interventions under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, agriculture sector can be transformed. He said Pakistani agriculture has been tottering along the traditional agricultural techniques and it is time that we start to look ahead to the future in terms of modernization.