| Gilgit: The government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region has formalized an agreement with China’s Gansu province, marking a collaborative effort to transfer high-mountain agriculture technology and machinery, according to news published on December 10.
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As per the details, this initiative aims to empower local farmers, facilitating increased production of diverse crops. GB holds strategic importance as it is the land link to China. The region plays a pivotal role in the USD 65 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure development plan.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), inked during the visit of an eight-member GB government delegation, led by Agriculture Minister Muhammad Anwar, signifies a commitment to the modernization of GB’s agriculture sector. The technology transfer is anticipated to enhance the production of key crops such as wheat, maize, potato, and buckwheat.
A coordinator of the GB Economic Transformation Initiative and part of the visiting delegation Khadim Hussain highlighted the cooperation’s objectives. He emphasized that the collaboration aims to promote agriculture, ensure food security, and foster development in livestock and human resources within Gilgit-Baltistan.
From the Chinese perspective, Gansu province’s central role in the Belt and Road Initiative aligns with Gilgit-Baltistan’s position as the gateway to CPEC. The Chinese government commits to supporting GB’s government in the development of agriculture, food security, and overall human and livestock development to improve communication and collaboration between the two regions. |
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