Pakistan, Egypt seek investment avenues
During the discussion, both sides explored opportunities to boost trade in key sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and construction materials. Qureshi emphasised the need to strengthen business linkages between the private sectors of both countries to maximise trade potential.
The Egyptian ambassador highlighted Egypt's expanding market and invited Pakistani businesses to explore investment opportunities in energy, tourism, and infrastructure.
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A few days ago, I reached out to a friend working in the Punjab Seed Corporation, only to find his communication unexpectedly disrupted. When contact was reestablished, he explained that he was currently in China undergoing specialized training in hybrid seed development. I appreciated the update and casually inquired about food arrangements—he noted that this was proving difficult since meals were pre-arranged by the host institution and cooking independently wasn't allowed. While that was just a side conversation, it inadvertently brought home the scope and seriousness of the training programme underway. This initiative is part of the Prime Minister's Special Capacity-Building Programme, a forward-looking effort aimed at reshaping Pakistan's agricultural sector by sending 1,000 agricultural graduates and officials to China for advanced training. Reportedly, the first batch is returned back after completing the respective endeavour. 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China's success in agriculture has been driven by its emphasis on science, data, and innovation. From deploying AI and drones in crop monitoring to developing drought-tolerant hybrid seeds and climate-smart production systems, China has created a robust ecosystem that caters to both domestic food security and international competitiveness. Pakistani participants are gaining firsthand exposure to these approaches—especially smart irrigation, protected cultivation, integrated pest management, and post-harvest technologies. However, the long-term effectiveness of this initiative depends on its alignment with ongoing institutional reforms in Pakistan—most notably the establishment of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) under the May 2025 Ordinance. This new authority replaces legacy departments like the Department of Plant Protection and Animal Quarantine, aiming to centralize Pakistan's food safety, SPS compliance, and agri-trade governance. In this context, the China training programme becomes even more relevant and timely, if it is reviewed and decisively added by the incumbent government in above initiative or making it a new one in addition to above. A major component that deserves focused attention during this training is Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems, which remain significant barriers to Pakistan's agricultural exports. Frequent rejections of mangoes, rice, vegetables, and meat in key markets are often linked to inadequate quarantine protocols, inconsistent enforcement, and poor traceability. China's mature SPS system—harmonized with international standards like Codex Alimentarius, IPPC, and OIE—offers Pakistani officials a comprehensive model of border control, pest surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and digital certification. Participants will also have the chance to study China's deployment of electronic phytosanitary certification (e-phyto) systems, blockchain-backed traceability, and real-time customs-quarantine coordination. These tools are essential for ensuring food safety and faster, more transparent trade facilitation—especially under NAFSA's ambitious scope. Perhaps just as important is the development of SPS diplomacy and bilateral protocol negotiation skills. By learning how China prepares its exporters, negotiates market access, and leverages its embassies and trade missions for SPS coordination, Pakistani trainees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical and commercial side of food safety. This can directly help reduce costly interceptions in regions like the EU, ASEAN, the Gulf, and China itself. The returns on this investment extend well beyond technological upgrades. 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