Pakistan's Ministry of National Food Security and Research has finalized a landmark Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with the Royal Group of China to export high-value buffalo genetic material, with annual exports expected to reach $25 million.
Details of the Agreement
The deal, announced on Wednesday, involves the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in Pakistan for collecting, processing, and exporting buffalo embryos, semen, and sexed semen to China. The facility will be operated by the Royal Group, a publicly traded Chinese company.
Initial projections indicate that China will immediately import buffalo embryos worth approximately $5 million. The agreement is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation in livestock genetics.
Background and Previous Cooperation
Pakistan and China have collaborated on buffalo embryo technology and breeding programs for years. In 2022, Pakistan opened formal trade channels for buffalo embryo exports after Chinese customs approved imports of in-vitro fertilized embryos. In 2024, Pakistan exported 10,000 Neeli Ravi buffalo embryos to China, its first commercial deal. Over 400 calves have since been born in China using Pakistani genetics.
Benefits for Pakistan
Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted that Pakistani buffaloes are globally recognized for superior milk production and genetic traits. The agreement will position Pakistani buffalo genetics as an international brand, creating opportunities for farmers, breeders, and researchers. It also includes robust protections for Pakistan's intellectual property rights and prevents unauthorized exploitation.
The ministry emphasized that the exports will generate valuable foreign exchange and open new markets for Pakistan's livestock industry.
