A high-level delegation from Northwest A&F University (NWAFU), China, called on University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali on Tuesday to discuss collaboration in animal and agriculture biotechnology, genomics, crop improvement, and food security.

FAISALABAD Aug 25: A high-level delegation from Northwest A&F University (NWAFU), China, called on University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali on Tuesday to discuss collaboration in animal and agriculture biotechnology, genomics, crop improvement, and food security. The delegation, including Prof. Dr. Jiang Zhongliang from NWAFU China; Prof. Dr. Jiang Yu, the Dean, College of Animal Science & Technology, NWAFU, China; Qinwei — International Cooperation College, NWAFU, China and Vernon Kin — DBN Group of China met with UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, deans, directors and others. The bilateral engagement focused on strengthening bilateral linkages under the banner of "Pak-China Cooperation in Animal and Agricultural Biotechnology: From Genomics to Reproductive Innovation," organized by the Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security, UAF. Key focus areas included animal genomics and reproductive biotechnology, crop improvement, food security innovations, academic exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at fortifying Pak-China agricultural collaboration. Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that "Partnering with leading Chinese institutions like NWAFU will accelerate joint efforts in cutting-edge research, capacity building, and technology transfer. Integrating genomics and reproductive biotechnology into our livestock and crop sectors is vital to meeting the country's growing agricultural demands. He said that Pakistan and China had a strong and time-tested relationship, and universities could play a key role in translating this partnership into practical solutions for agriculture and food security. He said UAF was committed to expanding international linkages and welcomed deeper cooperation with NWAFU in advanced areas including animal genomics, reproductive biotechnology, crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. “Collaboration with leading Chinese universities can provide our researchers and students with access to advanced technologies, expertise and international research networks,” he added. Prof Dr Jiang Yu emphasized NWAFU’s commitment to facilitating joint research endeavors and knowledge exchange programs. Prof Dr Jiang Yu said collaboration could be expanded through joint research initiatives, researcher exchanges, training and sharing of scientific expertise. He expressed hope that the visit would help identify new areas of cooperation between the two universities. Prof Dr Jiang Zhongliang said NWAFU attached great importance to academic and research cooperation with Pakistani institutions and viewed UAF as an important partner in agricultural research and education.