Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising Pakistan’s livestock sector through scientific breeding technologies, enhanced dairy productivity and expanded export opportunities for livestock products and genetic material. He expressed these views while chairing a high-level meeting with a Chinese delegation to discuss bilateral cooperation in livestock genetics, buffalo embryo exports and biotechnology partnerships. Senior officials of the ministry, representatives from the Animal Quarantine Department (AQD), technical experts and Chinese companies involved in livestock breeding and biotechnology cooperation attended the meeting.
Focus on Buffalo Embryo Exports and Dairy Productivity
Discussions focused on the growing potential of buffalo embryo exports from Pakistan to China and opportunities for collaboration in dairy productivity, modern breeding technologies and genetic resource development. The Chinese delegation appreciated Pakistan’s internationally recognised buffalo breeds and expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in animal genetics and embryo transfer technologies. Participants noted that Pakistan possesses some of the world’s finest dairy buffalo breeds, particularly the Neeli Ravi buffalo, known globally for its high milk production and superior genetic characteristics.
Export and Investment Opportunities
The meeting observed that rising international demand for elite dairy genetics presents significant export and investment opportunities for Pakistan’s livestock sector. Rana Tanveer Hussain said the livestock sector holds immense potential for export growth and foreign exchange earnings, adding that Pakistan’s premium dairy breeds could play a key role in strengthening agricultural trade ties with friendly countries, especially China.
Framework for Genetic Material Export
Senior Director Incharge of the Animal Sciences Division, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, briefed participants on the importance of establishing an internationally compliant framework for the export of biological and genetic material. He said Pakistan’s valuable livestock genetics, particularly elite buffalo breeds, represent an important national asset that requires both promotion and institutional protection. Dr Andrabi explained that the proposed Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) mechanism aims to facilitate long-term international cooperation while safeguarding Pakistan’s intellectual and genetic ownership rights in line with global practices. He further stated that the framework under development would streamline future cooperation between Pakistani institutions and international companies engaged in livestock biotechnology and embryo transfer programmes.
Global Shift Towards Advanced Breeding Technologies
Technical experts at the meeting observed that the global livestock industry is increasingly shifting towards advanced breeding technologies, embryo transfer and genetic enhancement programmes to improve dairy productivity and food security. They noted that Pakistan, due to the superior genetic potential of breeds such as the Neeli Ravi buffalo and Sahiwal cattle, is well-positioned to emerge as a major global supplier of elite dairy genetics. Experts also highlighted that international demand for high-yield and climate-resilient dairy breeds is growing rapidly, particularly in countries seeking sustainable livestock solutions.
Chinese Delegation Welcomes Transparent Mechanism
The Chinese delegation welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to establish a transparent mechanism for livestock genetic cooperation and expressed confidence that enhanced collaboration would create new opportunities for trade, investment and scientific partnership between the two countries. The meeting also highlighted the global recognition of Pakistan’s livestock genetics, including the Sahiwal cattle, which has contributed to dairy development in several countries worldwide.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said stronger cooperation with China in livestock and dairy development would positively contribute to Pakistan’s agricultural economy and create new opportunities for farmers, breeders and exporters. He assured the delegation that the ministry would continue facilitating international partnerships aimed at promoting innovation, investment and sustainable growth in Pakistan’s livestock sector.
