Argentina Offers Agricultural and Food Security Expertise to Pakistan

By Staff Reporter Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore – Argentina has expressed readiness to share its expertise in agriculture, livestock, and food security to help Pakistan strengthen its production capacity, storage systems, and overall food chain.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ambassador of Argentina Sebastian Sayus said that both nations enjoy friendly relations based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, culture, and technology.

> “We are launching discussions on a pilot project for modern grain silos, which will enhance Pakistan’s storage capacity and reduce post-harvest losses,” the Ambassador said, emphasizing that technical collaboration in biotechnology and agricultural innovation could transform both economies and create new opportunities for farmers and industries.

The envoy added that Argentina sees vast potential for collaboration with Pakistan in information technology and industrial development — sectors where Argentina has made notable progress. He identified meat processing, agricultural machinery, sports goods, and surgical instruments as key areas with strong potential for bilateral trade growth.

LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of enhancing Pakistan-Argentina economic ties and called for exploring new avenues of business and investment cooperation.

> “Argentina is one of the largest economies in Latin America, with a GDP exceeding $630 billion, and a strong base in agriculture and energy,” Saigol noted. “We hope today’s meeting opens new pathways for economic collaboration and mutual investment.”

Citing figures from the State Bank of Pakistan, he said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Argentina reached $394 million in 2024-25, with Pakistan’s exports valued at $51 million and imports at $343 million. “While the trade balance currently favors Argentina, we are keen to expand our export volume to achieve a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship,” he said.

Saigol also called on Argentina to help increase Pakistan’s share in Argentina’s total trade volume — valued at over $139 billion in 2024 — to at least $2 billion in the coming years.

He noted that Pakistan’s exports to Argentina mainly consist of woven fabrics, sports goods, surgical instruments, and home textiles, while imports include soybean oil, cotton, dried vegetables, pharmaceuticals, and seeds. He urged both sides to identify new product lines and opportunities for cooperation in IT, livestock, tourism, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and automotive manufacturing.

The LCCI President further suggested increased exchange of business delegations and participation in trade fairs to build stronger institutional and business linkages.

LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh emphasized collaboration in the automotive sector, noting Pakistan’s strong manufacturing capacity in automotive components and electric motorbikes that meet international standards.

LCCI Vice President Khurram Lodhi, presenting the vote of thanks, said that the discussions would help deepen diplomatic and economic relations between Pakistan and Argentina.