Opinions | Editorials
A symbiotic relationship
Pakistan and Arab states can benefit from agreement on agricultural land deals.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:30 August 31, 2008
Pakistan's latest offer in granting its lands for food and agricultural production to Arab countries comes as a good gesture which, if utilised properly, will help the food importing Gulf states to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen food security. Soaring prices of essentials, including the basic food items have, over the past few years, added to the rising cost of living - making living in the Gulf less attractive to foreigners.
Pakistan has vast fertile arable lands, good for agriculture and farming, while the oil-rich Gulf countries have surplus cash for investment which could create the right synergies for both sides. With cheap labour and cheaper prices of agricultural inputs, the Gulf money could help create a green revolution in many agrarian societies - like that in Pakistan. Further investments also could help accelerate the food processing industries in Pakistan and other countries. For one, it will help best utilise the potential of Pakistan's agriculture sector, while at the same time help the inflation-battered consumers in the Gulf.
Apart from strengthening brotherly ties, this will also help the Gulf governments to support consumers in offering essential foodstuffs at a reduced price on the shelf. Both Pakistan and Arab governments should take this opportunity seriously and engage the private sector to boost food security.
Share this article
More from Editorials
More from Opinions
Popular in Opinions
-
Opinions
Speak Your Mind: Cyberbullying
How can we protect our children from being Cyber bullied?
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Mosque razing ruling exposes India polity
It would be tragic if those who demolished the Babri Masjid went scot-free
-
All eyes on Obama
Failure to outline an effective strategy at West Point could cost the US president not only victory in Afghanistan, but the White House itself
-
A year after 173 defenceless people were killed
Mumbai itself is far from safe from another deadly attack, even though the level of security consciousness of the average Mumbaikar has been raised since 26/11
