PARC and Kenya plan collaboration to boost innovation in agriculture
ISLAMABAD, July 16 (APP):
Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening agricultural cooperation with Kenya and enhancing collaboration across various sectors to strengthen bilateral ties.
In a key meeting with Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, both sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation, particularly in agriculture and trade, according to an official press release.
The minister noted that current trade between Pakistan and Kenya stands at approximately USD 1 billion. Pakistan primarily exports rice, cotton, and seeds, while importing tea and other goods worth around USD 350 million. Both parties recognized significant potential to diversify and grow trade, especially in agri-based products.
Highlighting Kenya’s interest in institutional collaboration, the High Commissioner confirmed an upcoming visit to the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to explore joint research and innovation prospects.
Minister Hussain emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to partner in areas such as seed development, livestock, cotton cultivation, and agricultural mechanization. He also underscored PARC’s extensive network of 44 specialized research institutes across the country.
An MoU aimed at enhancing agricultural and trade cooperation is expected to be discussed—and potentially signed—during the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting scheduled in Islamabad from September 11 to 18, 2025.
The minister noted that this platform would play a vital role in formalizing partnerships and advancing knowledge exchange in agriculture.
Minister Hussain also acknowledged Kenya’s interest in exporting avocados, mangoes, flowers, and tea to Pakistan, expressing particular enthusiasm for avocado imports due to their quality and competitive pricing.
He emphasized Pakistan’s openness to diversifying imports from Kenya, citing the complementary strengths of the two nations in the agriculture sector.
The High Commissioner highlighted the positive contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Kenya, estimated at around 2,000 to 3,000 individuals working in hospitality, banking, automotive trade, and development projects, including those run by the Aga Khan Foundation.
The minister welcomed their role in fostering people-to-people connections and strengthening bilateral ties.
Further collaboration exists between Kenyan and Pakistani institutions, such as the National Agriculture Foundation and the National Textile University in Faisalabad. The minister called for expanding these linkages to encourage joint ventures, research collaborations, and technology transfer in areas like textiles, leather, and agri-processing.
The High Commissioner also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding support, particularly in defense training. Over the years, numerous Kenyan Army and Navy officers have trained at Pakistan’s military academies, including the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul and the Command and Staff College in Quetta.
He also thanked Minister Hussain for attending Kenya’s Independence Day celebration, describing it as a gesture of goodwill and mutual respect.
Both sides acknowledged the enduring diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Kenya, established in 1964, and agreed on the need to revitalize institutional and sectoral cooperation to deepen bilateral engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC)?
The JTC is an official bilateral mechanism that facilitates trade and economic dialogue between Pakistan and Kenya. Scheduled for September 11–18, 2025, in Islamabad, it aims to finalize agreements in agriculture, research, and technology. It plays a critical role in shaping long-term economic cooperation between the two nations.
What is agricultural mechanization and why is it a focus in 2025?
Agricultural mechanization involves the use of modern machinery—like tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems—to improve efficiency and reduce labor dependency. In 2025, Pakistan is pushing this initiative to increase crop yields and cope with labor shortages. Joint ventures with Kenya could enhance access to affordable machinery and technology.
What is institutional collaboration in agriculture?
Institutional collaboration involves partnerships between universities, research bodies, and government agencies across countries. In 2025, Pakistan and Kenya are focusing on such collaboration through the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Kenyan counterparts. This supports joint research, innovation, and skill development in agriculture and agribusiness.
What are the potential trade benefits of importing Kenyan avocados?
Kenya is a leading producer of avocados in Africa, and Pakistan’s interest in importing them aligns with growing demand for nutritious, high-value fruits. In 2025, this trade move could diversify Pakistan’s import basket and offer consumers healthier food options, while helping Kenyan farmers gain market access and earn foreign exchange.
What role does the Pakistani diaspora play in Kenya?
An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Pakistanis live in Kenya and contribute to sectors such as banking, hospitality, and trade. In 2025, they serve as economic and cultural bridges between the two nations, facilitating business connections and investment opportunities while strengthening people-to-people ties—an increasingly recognized tool of soft diplomacy.
What is technology transfer in agricultural trade?
Technology transfer involves sharing innovations—like climate-resilient seeds, precision irrigation, and AI-based crop monitoring—from one country to another. Pakistan and Kenya aim to exchange agricultural technologies in 2025 to improve productivity, reduce waste, and adapt to climate change, especially through partnerships with institutions like PARC.
Why is trade diversification important in 2025?
Trade diversification means expanding the variety of goods traded between countries. In 2025, Pakistan and Kenya are moving beyond traditional exports like tea and rice to include new products such as mangoes, avocados, flowers, cotton, and processed foods. This not only reduces economic dependence on a few commodities but also creates new business opportunities and improves food system resilience.
