Pakistan is looking to expand exports of elite buffalo embryos and dairy genetics to China as the country seeks new agricultural revenue streams and stronger cooperation in livestock biotechnology with its largest trading partner.
The discussions took place during a meeting in Islamabad between Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and a visiting Chinese delegation.
Officials reviewed opportunities for expanding exports of Neeli Ravi buffalo embryos and explored broader cooperation in livestock genetics, dairy productivity, and modern breeding technologies.
According to the Ministry of National Food Security, rising global demand for high yield dairy genetics is creating fresh export and investment opportunities for Pakistan’s livestock industry. The ministry said the Chinese side showed strong interest in expanding collaboration in animal genetics and embryo transfer technologies.
Pakistan’s livestock sector contributes more than 60 percent of the agriculture economy, making it one of the country’s largest economic segments. Officials have increasingly promoted indigenous breeds such as the Neeli Ravi buffalo and Sahiwal cattle as valuable export assets due to their productivity and genetic characteristics.
The Neeli Ravi buffalo, mainly found in Punjab, is internationally recognized for its high milk production and strong breeding qualities. Embryo transfer technology allows embryos from genetically superior animals to be implanted into surrogate animals, helping rapidly expand high quality livestock populations.
Pakistan formally opened buffalo embryo exports to China in 2022 after Chinese authorities approved imports produced through in vitro fertilization technology. In 2024, Pakistan exported 10,000 Neeli Ravi buffalo embryos to China in what officials described as the country’s first commercial export agreement of its kind.
Officials said more than 400 calves have since been born in China through embryo transfer programs using Pakistani buffalo genetics.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said Pakistan’s premium dairy breeds can play an important role in strengthening agricultural trade cooperation with friendly countries, particularly China.
The ministry said discussions also focused on regulatory frameworks and material transfer agreements designed to protect Pakistan’s genetic ownership rights while supporting long term international cooperation in livestock biotechnology.
📢 For the latest Business news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Shares
