Russia has announced plans to supply modern agricultural machinery and fertilizers to Pakistan, aiming to boost crop yields and enhance agricultural productivity.
This development was shared by Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Aleksei Gruzdev, during a meeting with Pakistan’s Minister for Industries, Production, and National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, in Islamabad.
The discussions focused on increasing bilateral trade and improving Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Minister Hussain highlighted the importance of modern machinery for the country’s farmers, stating that the Pakistani government is prepared to offer all necessary support to Russian investors.
In addition to machinery, Russia expressed interest in upgrading Pakistan’s fertilizer plants and providing training programs to help local farmers increase productivity. Gruzdev also met with Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, where they explored the potential for further cooperation in agriculture, railway machinery exports, and metal products.
Both nations are preparing for the 5th Joint Working Group meeting later this month in Islamabad, where they will explore new economic opportunities. One of the key projects under discussion is the establishment of a new steel mill in Karachi. Pakistan’s government has allocated 700 acres of land from Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) for the project, and both sides have agreed to form working groups to move forward.
Despite having significant iron ore reserves, Pakistan currently imports around $2.7 billion worth of iron and steel. Minister Hussain pointed out that the country’s steel industry is fragmented and reliant on outdated technology, which hampers efficiency. The proposed steel mill’s location near Port Qasim is expected to reduce transportation costs for raw materials.
As part of these efforts to strengthen economic ties, Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural experts are set to visit Russia soon.
