At an international training workshop on kiwifruit production held in Sichuan, agricultural experts from Pakistan identified their nation's capacity to integrate into the global kiwifruit market by partnering with China. An agreement was formalized between the Sichuan Provincial Academy of Natural Resource Sciences and the University of Swabi to deepen Sino-Pak kiwifruit collaboration.
"Pakistan's kiwi industry has immense potential for growth and development. With its favourable climate, rich soil and abundant water resources, Pakistan can become a significant player in the global kiwifruit market," conveyed Dr Ruidar Ali Shah from the University of Swabi to China Economic Net. He further highlighted Pakistan's strategic geographical position as advantageous for accessing markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe.
Dr Muhammad Akhlaq from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi also supported this optimism, citing Pakistan's climate and agricultural workforce as beneficial for kiwifruit cultivation. The international workshop provided a platform for learning from China's advanced kiwifruit industry, encompassing germplasm resource collection, new variety breeding, and post-harvest management among other areas.
Both Dr Shah and Dr Akhlaq noted the potential for adopting Chinese kiwifruit technologies in Pakistan, considering the country's unique environmental and market conditions. The Belt and Road Initiative was mentioned as a facilitator for agricultural cooperation between the two countries, with the possibility of Pakistan exporting kiwifruit to Chinese markets in the future.
Source: The Express Tribune