**Pakistan Deepens Agricultural Ties with FAO, Eyes Global Models for Sectoral Reform**
The Government of Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agricultural and livestock development in a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain. The session, attended by a visiting Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) delegation, focused on deepening collaboration, attracting foreign investment, and learning from successful international models to ensure national food security and boost export potential.
Chaired by Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, the meeting reviewed FAO’s extensive, decades-long partnership with Pakistan, which currently spans 94 districts across the country. The FAO team was led by Mr. Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director General and Director of Animal Production and Health, and included Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO’s outgoing Pakistan Representative. The minister praised FAO’s sustained technical and policy assistance, welcoming the newly adopted Global Work Plan and expressing Pakistan’s interest in its implementation.
Underscoring the government’s efforts to revitalize the agriculture and livestock sectors, Minister Hussain highlighted the importance of mobilizing foreign investment and lauded FAO’s readiness to support such initiatives. He announced the establishment of Pakistan’s National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), modeled after Egypt’s renowned food security governance system, and revealed plans to send a technical delegation to Egypt to study best practices and institutional mechanisms.
The meeting also addressed the longstanding vacancy in Pakistan’s Agriculture Minister’s representation at the FAO, with Minister Hussain emphasizing the need to restore this role for stronger international engagement. Discussions further included recommendations for Pakistan to study Brazil’s transformation into a leading global food exporter through research and innovation, as well as the country’s intention to revamp its own Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision for science-led agricultural progress.
FAO officials briefed the minister on upcoming international events, including the Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, the Global Exhibition on Seed for Food, and the World Food Forum, all of which will see active Pakistani participation. The role of Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to FAO, Mr. Mehboob, was acknowledged for enhancing diplomatic engagement, while FAO’s swift support—mobilizing $20 million during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen Pakistan’s animal health systems—was also recognized.
Concluding the session, Minister Hussain reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture, livestock growth, and food security, expressing confidence in continued collaboration with FAO and international partners to achieve these objectives.
