The newly appointed High Commissioner of New Zealand to Pakistan Hamish MacMaster apprised the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan on his first visit to any ministry after taking charge which shows how much New Zealand gives importance to agricultural collaboration between the two countries.
Pakistan exports skins of buffalo and cow to New Zealand. The export brought Rs7.9 million in year 2017-18. Pakistan import from New Zealand consists of animal feed, feed premixes, animal products (bovine semen, edible offal, tallow) dairy products and sheep.
Minister told the high commissioner during visit that Pakistan is world’s 5th largest milk producing country and annually produce 60 million metric tons, while only 6% could be refined.
He said New Zealand has a well built dairy sector or farming area along with processing and value addition. Pakistan would welcome any agricultural collaboration in the field from production to value addition.
He further told that cow fattening and improved meat production is one of the programs of PM’s Agriculture Emergency Project. So we are looking forward to get technical support machinery, technology and equipment from New Zealand.
It is related to mention that exotic bovine semen and cattle feed premixes are already imported from New Zealand. Furthermore veterinary health protocol for import of dairy cattle to Pakistan has already been coordinated.
Minister said Pakistan is wishing for of growing its mango market as it is already exported to 48 countries of the world and even it is exported to Australia due to its unique taste and aroma. He added more that we are hoping that New Zealand will consider importing mangoes from Pakistan along with other fruit and vegetables like dates, citrus, guava, onion and potato,
By giving relieve in regulations may also be discuss for the enhancement of bilateral trade, as the current volume of trade between the two countries does not reflect the potential agro-products. This may also be discussed for mutual benefits.
New Zealand high commissioner told the minister that will play his role efficiently to make ease and improve the agro-trade between the two countries.