A strengthened partnership between Pakistan and China is poised to modernize Pakistan’s livestock industry, with new agreements focused on technology transfer, research, and skill development. The collaboration, operating under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, aims to address critical challenges facing Pakistan’s agricultural sector, including low yields, breeding difficulties, and the impacts of climate change.
Recent progress, highlighted by agreements finalized during the 2026 China-Pakistan Agriculture Investment Conference (January 19-24), centers on establishing key infrastructure and collaborative programs. These initiatives represent a significant shift towards a more productive and technologically advanced livestock sector in Pakistan.
Establishing a Foundation for Collaboration
A core component of this renewed cooperation is the establishment of the China-Pakistan Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Industry Technology Cooperation Centre. This center, a joint effort between Jinan Animal Husbandry Industry Craftsman College and the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCJCCI), will focus on several key areas. These include research and development, the setting of industry standards, and the provision of specialized training to modernize Pakistan’s livestock practices. The center’s creation signifies a commitment to building a robust foundation for long-term collaboration and innovation.
The agreements also prioritize practical solutions to immediate challenges. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with GO Dairy Private Limited will facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies in sheep in vitro fertilization and dairy cow breeding. This will be coupled with tailored technical solutions and on-site expert guidance, specifically designed to address the breeding bottlenecks experienced by GO Dairy. This targeted approach underscores the commitment to delivering tangible benefits to Pakistani livestock producers.
Investing in Human Capital
Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the partnership extends to academic and vocational collaboration. An agreement has been reached with the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (UVAS) to jointly develop curricula and establish a training base for vocational education and professional skills in livestock management. This initiative aims to equip Pakistani professionals with the knowledge and expertise needed to implement and sustain the new technologies and practices being introduced.
To ensure effective coordination and oversight, a dedicated China-Pakistan Animal Husbandry Cooperation Center will be established. This center will serve as a central point of communication and project management, facilitating seamless collaboration between the two countries.
Prioritizing Key Research Areas
The collaboration isn’t solely focused on implementation. it also prioritizes research in areas with significant potential for impact. Both countries have agreed to focus on research into the applications of Himalayan pink salt in livestock nutrition, sheep in vitro fertilization technology, and dairy cow breeding techniques. These research areas reflect a strategic approach to addressing specific needs and opportunities within the Pakistani livestock sector.
This broader initiative aligns with the larger goals of CPEC 2.0, which represents an upgrade to the original economic corridor framework. CPEC 2.0 establishes agriculture as one of three primary development sectors – alongside industrial and mining activities – signaling a shift from infrastructure-focused development to strategies aimed at boosting productivity and generating value. This represents a significant evolution in the scope and ambition of the CPEC project.
Building on a Decade of Cooperation
The current phase of collaboration builds upon a foundation established in 2018 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that created the Joint Working Group on Agriculture Cooperation. This earlier framework facilitated collaboration on technology transfer and policy development, paving the way for the more comprehensive initiatives being launched under CPEC 2.0. Since 2018, Chinese experts have shared their knowledge in areas such as drip irrigation, hybrid and high-yield seeds, mechanization, pest control, and post-harvest management. Chinese companies, like Qingfa Seeds, have also established farmer training centers to disseminate modern agricultural techniques.
The strengthened livestock cooperation under CPEC 2.0 represents a significant investment in the future of Pakistan’s agricultural sector. By combining Chinese expertise and technology with Pakistan’s agricultural resources, this partnership aims to enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and drive sustainable economic growth. The focus on research, training, and practical solutions suggests a long-term commitment to building a resilient and modern livestock industry in Pakistan.
