Sister cities discussed: Canberra and Islamabad

Two months ago, in March 2015, Australia and Pakistan agreed to explore ways to deepen ties. The relationship between Australia and Pakistan has been strong for decades, and the two countries continue to keep dialogues open.

The annual bilateral discussions were held in Australia in March to continue engagements on a wide range of matters of mutual interest. The Pakistan delegation discussed points of interest will include sports, agriculture, economic growth, trade, border protection, business, and education. The possible twinning of the cities of Canberra, the capital of Australia, and Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, were also on the agenda (i.e. called twin towns or sister cities).

Sister City relationships are twinning arrangements that build friendships as well as government, business, culture, and community linkages. Canberra currently has international Sister City relationships with Beijing in China and Nara in Japan.

One example of existing ties includes the dairy sector. Pakistan is the fourth largest milk producer in the world (dairy cows is the largest livestock sector in Pakistan). Suppy over the past 25 years has increased by more than 5% and demand is expected to treble by 2020. This means that milk production needs to be faster and more efficient. The government of Pakistan aims to improve the profitability of smallholder farmers who produce over 80% of the milk supply by increasing the level and quality of production, streamlining marketing, and increasing milk production per cow.

About 70% of households with milk cows have herds of less than five animals, while 20% have 5-10 animals, and 10% have more than ten cows. Typically rural farmers in Pakistan have production levels of 500-1200 kg per annum, with production limited by poor nutrition. Australian experts – and Australian cows – have been readily accepted, through milk production research and the importation of cows.

Australian Center for International Agricultural Research www.aciar.gov.au

www.dailytimes.com.pk

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