A Chinese agricultural delegation, led by Professor He Cheng from China Agricultural University in Beijing, visited Lahore, Faisalabad, and Islamabad from February 27 to March 6, 2024. The delegation included two veterinary experts and three leading entrepreneurs.
During the initial three days of the visit, Professor He Cheng and Professor Wang Jingyu from Northwest & F Technology University were invited to deliver oral presentations and engage with academic researchers and enterprises. This took place at the International Conference on Current Trends, Prospects & Opportunities in Vaccine Research, 2024, held at the Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology in Lahore on February 28–29.
Later in the visit, the delegation was invited to present the frameworks of veterinary vaccines and diagnostic technology transfer, as well as the Chinese breed parent flock, at the annual Gojra Vets Forum. This event took place at the #Faisalabad #Serena Hotel on March 2nd, 2024. Concurrently, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Iqrar Ahmad Khan engaged in discussions with the Chinese delegation regarding the proposal for the China-Pakistan Poultry Research Center and potential student internships.
In the concluding leg of their visit to Islamabad, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of NARC (National Agricultural Research Center), co-chaired a workshop with Prof. He Cheng. The workshop focused on enhancing the Belt and Road Initiative, encompassing discussions on a staff exchange program, international funding applications, and the establishment of a national diagnostic lab for major animal disease control.
In addition to the academic mutual exchange program, the Chinese delegation undertook an official visit to Interloop’s Lahore headquarters, where they engaged in discussions with two CEOs. The talks revolved around a surveillance program and clinical trials of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, with the aim of exporting dairy products to the Chinese market. Simultaneously, Chinese experts conducted an on-site check at the Royal JW Buffalo Disease-Free Farm to meet Chinese customs’ quarantine requirements for water buffalo embryos. This farm is the first Chinese private company dealing with high-quality water buffalo genetic materials in Pakistan.
In Faisalabad, the Chinese team visited feed plants and a broiler farm. Dr. Sajjad ur Rahaman and Dr. Kashif Saleemi at UAF (University of Agriculture Faisalabad) hosted a workshop on behalf of Dairylac Feed Pvt Limited, focusing on an antibiotic reduction program. Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and jointly promoting research and the application of technology, contributing to the sustainable development of the livestock industry in both countries.
To expedite the supply of local veterinary vaccines, the Chinese delegation visited the new phase of the vaccine plant and local FMD manufacturing lines at Grand Pharma Pvt Ltd.. Chinese experts and industrial leaders emphasized their support for installation and decoration by Chinese standards. They also highlighted the importance of promoting technology transfer in livestock vaccines and diagnostic technology, contributing to local manufacturing processes, major animal disease control, and accelerating international business.
