By Zafar Hussain

BEIJING , April 20, (China EconomicNet) — Pakistan and China took another step forward in strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation as Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, visited Shouguang city in Shandong province to participate in the 27th China (Shouguang) International Vegetable Science & Technology Expo.

Shouguang, widely known as China's "Hometown of Vegetables," hosted this year's Expo with Pakistan designated as the Guest Country of Honour, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During his visit from April 19–20, Ambassador Hashmi met with Shouguang Mayor Zhao Tianbao, who briefed him on the city's advanced agricultural ecosystem, including integrated value chains and world-leading smart greenhouse technologies. The ambassador highlighted Pakistan's agricultural potential while emphasizing the need for investment and technology transfer to enhance productivity.

Both sides explored concrete avenues for collaboration, including the development of smart greenhouse demonstration projects in Pakistan and the strengthening of institutional and business linkages between the two countries.

Ambassador Hashmi also visited Shandong Lisente Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. and a Modern Agricultural High-Tech Demonstration Base, where he observed climate-resilient farming practices and cutting-edge greenhouse solutions. These technologies significantly improve crop yields and enable multiple harvest cycles annually. Discussions focused on launching pilot initiatives in Pakistan, particularly in high-tech and protected agriculture.