Pakistan, Kazakhstan agree to turn agricultural potential into trade opportunities

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to accelerate the implementation of existing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to convert bilateral agricultural potential into concrete trade, investment and business opportunities.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin in Islamabad.

The two sides held detailed discussions on agricultural trade, food security, connectivity, mechanization and expanding private-sector engagement.

Rana Tanveer Hussain said agriculture offered significant untapped potential for strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. He called for a result-oriented approach to bilateral commitments, with greater focus on commercially viable projects and direct institutional and business linkages.

The two sides agreed to convene the next Pakistan-Kazakhstan Joint Working Group on Agriculture in Kazakhstan to review progress and identify new areas of cooperation. Pakistan will nominate its delegation for the proposed meeting.

Kazakhstan expressed interest in exploring the supply of wheat to Pakistan. The Pakistani side agreed to examine the proposal in light of prevailing requirements, including price, quality and supply conditions.

Connectivity was also discussed as a key factor in expanding agricultural trade. The proposed rail and regional transport links connecting Central Asia with Pakistan were highlighted as important avenues for reducing freight costs and opening new markets for agricultural commodities.

Pakistan highlighted its export potential in mangoes, guava, dates, bananas, potatoes and onions and expressed interest in securing greater access to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian markets.

The participants noted that improved logistics, market access and trade facilitation mechanisms would be essential to fully realize the potential of agricultural exports.

Agricultural mechanization also emerged as a promising area of cooperation, particularly in the production and supply of affordable tractors and machinery for small and medium-sized farmers. Both sides agreed to encourage relevant institutions and private-sector stakeholders to explore partnerships in this field.

The federal minister stressed the need for stronger coordination between agricultural institutions, research organizations and business communities of the two countries to promote technology exchange, investment and market-oriented cooperation.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations and giving greater momentum to practical cooperation in agriculture as part of broader bilateral economic and strategic engagement.