Pakistan is making a significant push to elevate its agro and food sectors on the global stage, with the inauguration of the 2nd International Food and Agriculture Exhibition, FoodAg 2024, at the Karachi Expo Center.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with a delegation of prominent officials and business leaders, officially opened the FoodAg 2024 exhibition on August 9 (Friday), highlighting the vast opportunities for agricultural exports and the government’s commitment to modernizing the sector.
The three-day exhibition (August 9-11), organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Ministry of Commerce, has attracted over 650 foreign buyers from more than 70 countries, with expectations of substantial business deals. This year’s event has significantly expanded, with 350 exhibitors showcasing a diverse array of products, from fresh produce and halal meat to processed foods and agricultural technology.
As visitors traversed the bustling halls of the Expo Centre, they were greeted by a vibrant display of Pakistan’s culinary and agricultural offerings. From spicy gol gappa and refreshing fruit punches to an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, the exhibition was a feast for the senses. The event provided a platform for sampling these delights and offered a deeper insight into Pakistan’s agricultural potential.
One of the notable exhibitors, Daily Fresh Farm, showcased the cultivation of dragon fruit in Karachi, surprising many visitors with the adaptability of this exotic fruit to local conditions. The enthusiasm among foreign buyers was palpable, as many, including delegates from Japan, Turkiye, and South Africa, praised the event’s organization and the quality of products on display.
FoodAg 2024 in numbers
- Almost 800 delegates and 350 Pakistani companies took part in the exhibition
- Around 650 foreign buyers from more than 70 countries participated.
- $107 million business deals finalized and $434m MoUs signed.
$107 million deals finalized and $434m MoUs signed: Commerce Minister
Business deals worth $107 million have been realized so far while $434 million worth of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on the first day of the FoodAg 2024 exhibition, federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said on Saturday while talking to media on the second day of the event along with TDAP CEO Zubair Motiwala.
This exhibition is “a testament to international interest in Pakistan as a trading partner. Foreign delegations are eager to explore opportunities and build strong trade ties with us,” Jam Kamal Khan observed. The MoUs were signed across various sectors, including dairy, salt, food and beverages, and confectionery.
Pakistan eyes $7 Billion boost in agricultural exports
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his opening address, underscored the importance of harnessing modern technology and research to boost agricultural exports.
He set an ambitious target of $7 billion in agricultural exports for the upcoming year, emphasizing that Pakistan must seize the opportunities presented by its rich agricultural resources by increasing food partnerships with Turkiye and China. The Prime Minister highlighted recent initiatives, including plans to send 1,000 graduates to China annually for agricultural training, as part of broader efforts to enhance the sector’s capabilities.
Regulatory officials from several countries also held discussions with Pakistani authorities to address trade facilitation and certification issues, ensuring smoother access to international markets.
Showcasing Pakistan’s Food Export Diversity
FoodAg 2024 features an impressive array of products from various sectors:
- Cereals: Pakistan, known for producing the finest Basmati rice, is the world’s fourth-largest rice exporter, with annual exports exceeding $2.5 billion to 193 countries. The exhibition highlighted the different varieties of rice and other cereals, underscoring Pakistan’s potential as a global food basket.
- Fruits & Vegetables: With over 50 types of fruits and vegetables, Pakistan’s offerings include renowned exports like mangoes, citrus fruits, and potatoes, which are widely exported to the Middle East, Far East, Europe, and Russia. Exhibits showcased the diversity and quality of these products, attracting significant interest from international buyers.
- Fisheries: Pakistan’s 1,400 km coastline is a rich source of fisheries, with products like prawns, shrimps, lobsters, and crabs regularly exported to Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Delegates from Russia’s fishery sector visited processing plants in Korangi, expressing satisfaction with the standards observed.
- Meat & Poultry: As a leading exporter of Halal red meat, Pakistan meets international standards and exports to markets in the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The exhibition highlighted the country’s capacity to expand these exports further.
- Processed Foods: Pakistan’s food and beverages industry is the second-largest after textiles, with value-added products like spices, chocolates, biscuits, and frozen fruits being exported worldwide. The exhibition showcased these products, emphasizing their growing global demand.
Culinary and Cultural Exchange
In addition to the business aspects, the exhibition celebrated cultural exchange through food. An international cuisine showcase introduced foreign delegates to the rich flavors of Pakistani dishes, further solidifying food as a bridge between cultures. The presence of international chefs, including those from South Africa and Malaysia, added to the event’s diversity, with chefs exploring local ingredients and sharing their culinary expertise.
“World-renowned chefs that are visiting this exceedingly successful event, is also a depiction of how food and agriculture are gaining momentum and encouraging international chefs to direct their interest towards Pakistani cuisine and to take it back with them,” Jam Kamal said.
Expo highlights Pakistan’s agro-food potential
FoodAg 2024 is not just a trade event; it is a testament to Pakistan’s potential to become a global player in the agro-food sector. With a theme of “Growing a Sustainable Future,” the exhibition reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and its readiness to meet global demand. As the event draws to a close on Sunday, it leaves behind a strong message of Pakistan’s capabilities and its vision for a prosperous future driven by agricultural success.