Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stated that there are vast opportunities to increase agricultural exports in Pakistan.
He emphasized that through modern technology and research & development, exports can be enhanced.
He set a target of $7 billion for agricultural exports for the next year.
During his speech at the opening ceremony of the Second International Food and Agriculture Exhibition in Karachi on Friday, the Prime Minister began by congratulating Arshad Nadeem on his historic achievement of winning a gold medal at the Olympics.
He remarked that after 40 years, Pakistan has won a gold medal, which is a moment of great pride and honor for the nation.
Arshad Nadeem’s accomplishment has made history and elevated the nation’s stature.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan needs to achieve success in other sports like cricket and hockey as well.
He expressed gratitude to Allah for Arshad Nadeem’s success, which has instilled hope and courage in the nation.
He added that although life is full of challenges, nothing is impossible if we persevere.
He announced that Arshad Nadeem would receive a grand welcome upon his return to Pakistan.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan’s agricultural exports have reached $3 billion, and the target for the next year should be $7 billion.
He noted that Pakistan has immense potential and congratulated exporters and relevant authorities for the increase in exports.
He stressed the importance of increasing per-acre yield by adopting modern technology and methods.
The Prime Minister further said that the federal and provincial governments need to work together to focus on the development of the agricultural sector. By utilizing the services of agricultural experts, production can be increased. There is a need to enhance focus on research and development.
He reiterated that through modern technology and research & development, it is possible to boost exports, and there are vast opportunities for increasing agricultural exports in Pakistan.
He also emphasized the importance of moving towards value addition in agricultural products.
The Prime Minister mentioned the need to increase the provision of loans for small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas, as the development of rural areas will lead to the country’s overall growth.
He highlighted how China has used modern technology to achieve significant progress in the agricultural sector.
The Government of Pakistan is ready to provide full support to exporters and farmers, and the provision of loans to farmers in rural areas will help increase production.
The Prime Minister also spoke about his visit to China, where he visited a modern center that ensured progress through the use of advanced technology.
He stated that the current government is taking strong steps for the development of the agricultural sector and the increase in exports.
He announced that the federal government has approved the conversion of 28,000 electricity-powered tube wells to solar energy in Balochistan, and 1,000 students will be sent to China for modern agricultural training.
The government is committed to providing facilities to farmers and exporters. There are also vast opportunities for cooperation between China and Pakistan in the livestock sector.
The Prime Minister noted that Pakistan has unique relationships with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkey. There is potential to promote cooperation in exports, minerals, and other sectors with Gulf countries, and joint agricultural projects can be initiated.
He emphasized that if we adopt a hardworking approach, every challenge can be overcome.
Afterward, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Second International Food and Agriculture Exhibition and inspected various stalls.
He was briefed about the stalls and met with delegates from different countries, exchanging views with them.
The Prime Minister also awarded exporters for their excellent performance in the agricultural sector.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority Zubair Motiwala also addressed the ceremony.
The event was attended by Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Industry and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
