On 22 September 2025 in Islamabad, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to discuss a comprehensive plan for PARC reforms. The Chinese team was led by Yan Yan, Level-1 consultant at the Department of International Cooperation, and Long Wanrong, Level-3 consultant at the Department of Personnel, and included Professor Jia Yaxiong, Director of the Division of Science and Technology Management at the Institute of Animal Sciences.
The minister warmly received the delegation and reiterated the government’s resolve to transform PARC into a modern and proactive institution capable of addressing emerging agricultural challenges and ensuring national food security. He stressed that the success of PARC reforms will be measured by tangible benefits for farmers and industry across Pakistan.
Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasised that agricultural research must be directly aligned with farmers’ needs and private sector demands so scientific innovations can be translated into practical solutions. He called for a reform roadmap with clear timelines, measurable targets and sustainable financing mechanisms, and underscored the need for incentives that reward scientists and link research to commercialization.
The Chinese delegation shared its experience of overcoming similar challenges two decades ago and recommended long-term investment and robust public-private partnerships as essential elements of a competitive research model. CAAS experts highlighted core issues facing PARC, including funding shortfalls, inadequate incentives for researchers and limited opportunities for international collaboration.
Both sides welcomed proposed mutual visits and exchange programmes to enable Pakistani scientists to observe CAAS research models firsthand. The minister said the existing memorandum of understanding between PARC and CAAS will now be operationalised to ensure joint efforts deliver concrete results and capacity building at research centres across Pakistan.
At the close of the meeting the minister reiterated that PARC reforms are a national priority and the federal government will provide full support to accelerate the process. He expressed confidence that Chinese partnership combined with Pakistan’s commitment will help PARC evolve into a modern, resilient research institution that delivers solutions, raises agricultural productivity and strengthens the country’s food security through focused PARC reforms.
