by Wang Xiaotong 

LANZHOU, Mar. 17 (China Economic Net) - Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) discussed a roadmap for boosting agricultural cooperation in the future, with advanced Chinese technologies to be transferred to Pakistan.

Representatives from Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) discuss cooperation possibilities in agriculture. [Photo/Wang Xiaotong]

Gansu and Pakistan share similarities in climate, crop types, environment, etc. According to Fan Tinglu, Vice President of Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, high-yield crop varieties of wheat, potato, corn, oilseed rape, cotton, and various technologies of efficient use of water and fertilizer on dry land, solar greenhouse, fruit and vegetable storage and cold chain logistics etc. are hopefully to be introduced to Pakistan. 

“Many technologies from Gansu, for instance, the technology of farmland water utilization and regulation with plastic-film mulching on dry land, have been introduced to Pakistan and achieved promising results. We sincerely hope our cooperation with IUB contribute to both food security and agricultural development in the future,” Fan Tinglu said. 

Dr. Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, said the area that IUB located in is facing soil, water and climate challenges, where Chinese technologies can play a positive part. 

“IUB is looking forward to working with the Chinese counterparts. We want to learn from the Chinese experience and advanced technologies to improve our local conditions and food security,” Mahboob said. Last year, IUB already established cooperative ties with Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU) specialized in intercropping technology. Now, the Sino-Pak agricultural cooperation is steadily expanding through more linkages being forged. 

Based on a series of investigation and research by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Gansu, there's enormous potential to develop cooperation in agriculture to fuel the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase Ⅱ which focuses on improving people's livelihood. Simultaneously supported by the Pakistani Embassy in China, it's believed the agricultural cooperation between Gansu and Pakistan is to blossom. 

It's learned that a MoU between GAAS and IUB is on the way to kick off the cooperation in an efficient and practical way. 

Li Taian, Director of Division of Asia and Africa Affairs, Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Gansu presided over the meeting. Wang Min, Director of Division of S&T Cooperation and Exchange, GAAS, Zhang Lijun, Deputy Director of Division of S&T Cooperation and Exchange, GAAS, Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza, Director of National Research Center for Intercropping, IUB, Dr. Iqbal Bandesha, Dean, Agriculture, IUB, etc. were also present at the meeting.