Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the 2nd edition of FoodAg 2024, a key trade event organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Ministry of Commerce.Â
The event, held at Expo Center Karachi on Friday, was also attended by the Minister of Trade from Turkiye, Prof Dr Omer Bolat, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, TDAP Chief Executive Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, and other prominent business leaders.
FoodAg 2024, a sector-specific trade event, aims to connect global buyers with Pakistani companies in the agro and food sectors. This year, over 650 foreign buyers from more than 70 countries are participating, with 330 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products.
Country delegations from South Africa, Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Malaysia held high-profile meetings with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, TDAP Chief Executive Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, and officials from the Ministry of Commerce. Regulatory officers from various countries attended to address quarantine and certification issues, and TDAP facilitated government-to-government meetings to strengthen international trade relations.
A seminar focused on exporting food to the European Union was held, and TDAP arranged 2,136 business-to-business meetings between foreign buyers and local exhibitors. These interactions are expected to generate $541 million in business on the first day of the event. Additionally, 14 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in sectors including dairy, salt, food and beverages, and confectionery.
Regulatory authorities from Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Gambia, and Senegal met with heads of Pakistani departments such as Plant Protection, PSQCA, Pakistan Halal Authority, and Animal Quarantine on the first day of the event. An international food cuisine showcase was organized to introduce foreign delegates to the flavors of Pakistani cuisine.
Delegates from Russia’s fishery sector visited Korangi Fish Harbour to inspect processing plants, expressing satisfaction with the standards and practices observed. They showed interest in importing products due to the high standards maintained by the facilities.
FoodAg 2024 is expected to significantly boost Pakistan’s image and generate economic activity, particularly within the agro and food export sectors. The event will continue over the next two days, with the final day (August 11) open to the general public.
