Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening agricultural ties with Kenya, besides enhancing cooperation in other sector of the economy for promoting bilateral relations between both the countries.
The minister held an important meeting with Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan and discussed avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and trade, said a press release.
The minister noted that the current bilateral trade between the two countries stands at approximately USD 1 billion, with Pakistan exporting rice, cotton, and seeds, while importing tea and other commodities valued at around USD 350 million. Both sides recognized the potential to further diversify and expand trade, particularly in agri-based products.
The High Commissioner expressed Kenya’s keen interest in institutional collaboration and confirmed his upcoming visit to the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to explore opportunities for joint research and agricultural innovation.
The Minister highlighted PARC’s network of 44 specialized research institutes across the country and emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to partner in areas such as seed development, livestock, cotton production, and agri-mechanization.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for agricultural and trade cooperation is expected to be discussed and potentially finalized during the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting, scheduled to take place in Islamabad from September 11 to 18, 2025.
Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that this meeting would serve as a key platform to institutionalize cooperation and finalize agreements aimed at expanding agricultural trade and knowledge exchange.
The minister also acknowledged Kenya’s growing interest in exporting products such as avocados, mangoes, flowers, and tea to Pakistan. He expressed particular interest in avocado imports, citing their quality and competitive pricing.
He reiterated Pakistan’s openness to diversifying its import basket from Kenya, noting the complementarity in the two countries’ agricultural strengths.—APP
