Islamabad, April 7, 2025 – In a move aimed at reviving Pakistan’s declining cotton sector, Pakistan and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on enhancing cotton production using advanced technology and agricultural innovation. The agreement was finalized at a ceremony in Islamabad with top officials from both countries in attendance.

Strengthening Agricultural Ties

As part of the new partnership, China will assist Pakistan by providing modern machinery, technological expertise, and advanced cotton seed technology. The initiative is seen as a significant step toward tackling the challenges Pakistan’s cotton sector has faced in recent years, including pest outbreaks, climate impacts, and outdated farming techniques.

According to Lt. General (retd.) Asim Saleem Bajwa, Chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, the cooperation aligns with long-term goals to strengthen Pakistan’s agriculture and textile sectors.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The agreement focuses on several critical areas:

• Technology Transfer: Introduction of GMO and gene editing technologies to produce pest-resistant and climate-resilient cotton varieties.
• Farmer Training: Capacity-building programs for farmers and agricultural experts to modernize cultivation practices.
• Industrial Growth: Establishment of textile industry parks to improve the entire cotton value chain, from farming to fabric production.

Addressing Cotton Production Decline

Pakistan’s cotton output saw a sharp 33.27% drop in 2024, leading to major concerns across the textile industry. Experts say the decline was driven by multiple factors, including changing weather patterns and pest infestations. This collaboration aims to reverse that trend with sustainable, high-yield solutions.

Economic Impact

Reviving cotton production is expected to yield multiple economic benefits:

• Increased exports through improved cotton quality and quantity
• Job creation via textile parks and value chain development
• Sustainable agriculture through modern farming techniques and climate-adaptive crops

Looking Ahead

The Islamabad-Beijing agreement marks a strategic step toward building stronger agricultural cooperation. With China’s support, Pakistan aims to transform its cotton industry, ensure food and economic security, and reclaim its standing in the global textile market.

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