ISLAMABAD Jan 14, (APP): Australian government is collaborating with Pakistan to further enhance women empowerment in agriculture sector.
Talking to APP here today Australian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ms Margaret Adamson informed that Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) focuses on research and training activities, and its trainers would come to Pakistan to train people associated with agriculture, where women are also given equal opportunity.
To a question the High Commissioner said that Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has introduced a new project where the women participation will be 80%. Ms Margaret further said it’s about 10 years that Australia is assisting Pakistan in mango sector as we assured that if more mango plants get certification from Australia then not only Australia but also Japan and other European countries well import mangoes from Pakistan.
Further to empowering women in agri-sector, the high commissioner informed that Australia government was working with Pakistan to eradicating poverty, embarking on strategies to improve women’s education, health and empowerment as overall.
“These efforts aimed to both protect the rights of, and promote opportunities for, women throughout the economic and social development process” she said.
Appreciating Pakistani students increasing interest to study in Australia, the High Commissioner termed these students as making Australia as one of the more popular study destination among Pakistani students. She hoped that this number would continue to grow, as more Pakistani students become aware of the high-quality educational opportunities provided by Australian institutions.
Pakistani High Commissioner Ms Naela Chohan told APP that Professor Andrew Campbell, CEO ACIAR is very keen to visit Pakistan to witness collaborated agricultural projects. Elaborating one of the ACIAR projects in Pakistan, the high commissioner informed that micro credit empowerment of women in agri-sector remained very successful.
“Capacity building that includes training of agricultural trainers and small farmers is also going good. We are proud of our mango production in Pakistan as Australian friends want to import our mangoes to Australia for its best quality” she said adding that Pakistan has started entering in Australian market. Pakistan is continually working with Australia on various women empowerment related projects where both countries can give positive results for bright future in agriculture sector.
APP/Hamza/Was
