Chinese Consul General Inaugurates Citrus Research and Agricultural Innovation Facilities in Sargodha

Sun Yan, Consul General inaugurates Climate-Controlled Glasshouse and Screen House at CRI Sargodha. [Photo/CRI]

SARGODHA: Sun Yan, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lahore, inaugurated a newly established Climate-Controlled Glasshouse and Screen House at the Citrus Research Institute (CRI) in Sargodha, underscoring growing agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and China.

During the visit, Dr. Sajid-ur-Rahman, Director General Agriculture (Research), Punjab, briefed the Chinese diplomat on the institute’s ongoing research programs, modern citrus nursery production systems, disease-free plant propagation techniques and initiatives aimed at promoting climate-resilient citrus cultivation across the province.

Sun Yan also toured the institute’s laboratories and reviewed its research and diagnostic facilities. He commended the initiatives taken by the officials at CRI Sargodha, for advancing citrus research, introducing modern technologies and contributing to the sustainable development of Pakistan’s citrus industry.

The visit also extended to the University of Sargodha (UoS), where Consul General Sun Yan inaugurated the university’s Drone Lab and Research Centre for Excellence in Agriculture, highlighting expanding Pakistan-China cooperation in agricultural innovation and higher education.

Sun Yan, Consul General inaugurates Drone Lab and China Resource Lounge at University of Sargodha. [Photos/UoG]

During a tour of the university’s academic, research and innovation facilities, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas briefed the Chinese diplomat on UoS collaborations with Chinese universities and the Confucius Institute in education, research, agriculture, industry and Chinese language promotion.

Addressing a conference marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, Sun said the bilateral partnership had continued to deepen through mutual trust, practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. He welcomed growing student exchanges and praised the university’s efforts to strengthen academic links with Chinese institutions.

Prof. Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director of the Pakistan Institute of China Studies (PICS), highlighted key milestones in the 75-year Pakistan-China relationship and stressed the need to translate the longstanding friendship into deeper academic, cultural and people-to-people cooperation. He also outlined initiatives undertaken by PICS and the Confucius Institute at UoS to expand collaboration with Chinese universities and research institutions.

The Consul General also inaugurated the China Resource Lounge, launched an exhibition showcasing Pakistan-China friendship, and distributed Chinese Ambassador Scholarships to deserving students. University officials said the new research facilities and academic initiatives would help promote innovation, scientific collaboration and agricultural modernization while further expanding educational cooperation between Pakistan and China.

At the conclusion of the visit, Sun reaffirmed China’s support for strengthening bilateral cooperation in education, research, culture and innovation, describing universities as an important platform for fostering long-term people-to-people ties between the two countries.