MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina and Pakistan sign MoU to promote trade and technological cooperation

Argentine Minister of Agriculture Luis Eugenio Basterra and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Argentina, Dr Muhammad Khalid signed the MoU

Pakistan and Argentina signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Sanitary and Phytosanitary issues, during a ceremony conducted in Buenos Aires with the purpose of promoting and sponsoring trade in animals, plants, and by-products, as well as technical cooperation.

Argentine Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Luis Eugenio Basterra and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Argentina, Dr Muhammad Khalid signed the MoU on behalf of their respective countries. The MoU provides a legal and institutional framework between the two countries for the promotion and facilitation of trade

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Basterra stated that the MoU has special significance as it would increase South-South cooperation. He mentioned that the Argentine Institute for Agricultural Technology (INTA) and the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA) would be able to work closely with the Government of Pakistan on a dynamic technical cooperation agenda.

Dr Muhammad Khalid Ejaz stated that Pakistan attaches great importance to relations with Argentina. He underscored the tremendous potential for collaboration between the two countries. Dr Ejaz corroborated that the signing of the MOU would allow for greater two-way trade in agricultural commodities and exchange of expertise and research in cattle farming, forestry, and agro-industrial innovations.

Minister Basterra highlighted that Argentine expertise in agriculture, cattle-rearing and meat-processing and livestock-related technologies could be utilized by Pakistan. He appreciated the broad and interesting work agenda currently being pursued by the two sides. Furthermore, he is aware of the ongoing consultations and coordination between Argentina and Pakistan in strengthening cooperation and bringing people together.

Ambassador Ejaz stated the Government of Pakistan has been working to support society’s most vulnerable segments particularly women through the Ehsaas program and highlighted the Ten Billion Tree Project implemented by Pakistan and which earned global acclaim.