Pakistan and Spain have agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, food security, and bilateral trade. Both countries also expressed their commitment to establishing a Pakistan-Spain Joint Working Group on Agriculture to institutionalize collaboration and expand partnerships in the agricultural sector.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Spain’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna.
The meeting reflected the long-standing relationship between the two countries while focusing on opportunities to expand cooperation in agriculture, technology, and trade.
Spain Congratulates Pakistan on IOC Membership
During the meeting, the Spanish ambassador congratulated Pakistan on becoming a full member of the International Olive Council (IOC).
He acknowledged Pakistan’s growing role in the global olive sector and welcomed the country’s progress in olive cultivation.
In response, Rana Tanveer Hussain thanked the Government of Spain and the Spanish Minister of Agriculture for supporting Pakistan’s successful IOC membership bid.
He said the support had further strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries.
Agriculture Remains a Key Area of Cooperation
The minister emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in modern agricultural technologies to improve Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
He highlighted Spain’s expertise in several areas of modern farming, including:
- Precision farming
- Efficient irrigation systems
- Olive cultivation
- Greenhouse farming
- Agricultural mechanization
- Water management
The minister invited Spanish companies and institutions to work with Pakistan through technology transfer, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives.
According to him, such partnerships could modernize Pakistan’s agriculture sector while improving crop quality and productivity.
In addition, he noted that advanced farming practices would help conserve water resources, strengthen food security, and improve the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products in international markets.
Proposal for a Joint Working Group
To further strengthen institutional cooperation, Rana Tanveer Hussain proposed establishing a Pakistan-Spain Joint Working Group on Agriculture.
The proposed platform would promote collaboration in:
- Agricultural research
- Technology transfer
- Investment
- Food security
- Bilateral agricultural trade
The Spanish side welcomed the proposal and agreed to explore its early establishment.
Both countries viewed the initiative as an important step toward expanding long-term cooperation in the agricultural sector.
Pakistan Seeks Greater Agricultural Exports
The minister also expressed Pakistan’s willingness to expand agricultural exports to Spain.
He identified rice, ethanol, potatoes, and maize as products with strong export potential.
According to the minister, stronger trade partnerships would benefit both countries while supporting sustainable agricultural development.
Expanding agricultural exports could also create new commercial opportunities for Pakistani producers in European markets.
Pakistani Community Strengthens Bilateral Relations
During the discussions, the Spanish ambassador acknowledged the positive contribution of nearly 150,000 Pakistanis living in Spain.
He noted that the Pakistani community continues to strengthen economic, commercial, and cultural ties between the two countries.
The ambassador also highlighted that Pakistan currently enjoys a favorable trade balance with Spain.
He added that textiles remain among Pakistan’s leading exports to the Spanish market.
Both Countries Reaffirm Commitment to Cooperation
At the conclusion of the meeting, Pakistan and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
Both sides agreed to continue working together to expand trade, enhance agricultural cooperation, improve food security, and promote closer collaboration in regional and international forums.
The proposed Joint Working Group is expected to provide a structured platform for future cooperation while supporting technology transfer, investment, and sustainable agricultural development between the two countries.
