ISLAMABAD: The upcoming Pakistan-China Agri Investment Conference, set to take place in federal capital later this month, is poised to significantly elevate the economic and agricultural ties between the two nations, officials said on Wednesday. Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperative Departments Balochistan, Noor Ahmed Pirkani, alongside Special Secretary Anis Tariq Gorgij, expressed optimism that the conference would open new avenues for investment and collaboration in the agricultural sector. During a meeting at the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the officials urged stakeholders from Balochistan, including farmers, traders, transporters, and investors, to submit actionable proposals offering joint ventures and other investment opportunities for Chinese investors.“We aim to boost the value-added processing of Balochistan’s agricultural products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat, to gain access to international markets,” said Pirkani. The meeting, attended by influential members of the business community, highlighted the immense potential of Balochistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors. However, participants pointed out critical challenges, such as the lack of value addition infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and processing plants, which are impeding the province’s agricultural exports. Former President of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce, Juma Khan Badini, along with Juma Khan Noorzai of the Small Chamber and Muhammad KazimAchakzai of the Zamindar Action Committee, called for tangible steps to address these gaps. “Proposals must move beyond paperwork to practical solutions, especially in establishing cold storage and processing plants,” they stressed. A key part of the discussions revolved around Balochistan’s fruit and vegetable varieties, which were highlighted by Asif Kakar during his briefing. He shared that on September 4, 2025, Pakistan and China signed MoUs worth USD750 billion, with a portion of these funds earmarked for agricultural projects. Proposals in sub-sectors such as agricultural chemicals, technology, processed food, fisheries, and cold chain infrastructure are expected to be considered during the Islamabad conference. The conference, expected to draw around 300 investors and businessmen, will serve as a platform for Balochistan’s agricultural community to present investment-ready proposals to Chinese partners. “We urge Balochistan’s business community to bring forward compelling proposals that align with Chinese investment interests,” added Gorgij. Gorgij, and Masood Ahmed Baloch, the Director General of Agriculture, also emphasized the conference’s potential to further strengthen Pakistan-China bilateral relations in agriculture and other sectors. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026