KARACHI: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is expecting business of over $1 billion in the 2nd edition of the International Food and Agriculture Exhibition “FOODAg-2024” scheduled to take place from August 9th to 11th, 2024 at the Expo Center in Karachi. In the last edition of Food Ag, business of $450 million was generated.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Zubair Motiwala CEO TDAP said that Pakistan’s agriculture sector has demonstrated impressive growth with agro and food product exports surpassing $8 billion in the last fiscal year (FY24). This remarkable 37 percent growth in exports underscores the sector’s growing significance in the global market, he added.
Under the theme “Growing a Sustainable Future,” the exhibition will showcase Pakistan’s substantial contributions to global food security, empowering exporters to display their products, explore joint venture opportunities with international partners, and elevate the qualitative standards of Pakistan’s agricultural produce.
China has been designated as the “Guest of Honour Country” for the event. An exclusive Pak-China Agro Trade & Investment Conference will be held on the second day, highlighting the robust trade relationship between the two nations, he informed.
The exhibition will feature over 350 companies, showcasing a wide range of Pakistan’s strengths in both raw and processed agro and food products. The product line-up includes seafood, cereals, fruits, vegetables, dates, spices, dairy, Halal meat, poultry, edible oil/ghee, salt, confectionery, and processed foods. Notably, the rice sector will have a significant presence, with more than 45 companies participating.
CEO TDAP said that Agri Investment Conference, the Pak-China Trade Conference, and a conference on the impacts of climate change will be a part of the exhibition. In addition, a Global Cuisine Show will also be held, featuring chefs from 15 countries who will prepare international cuisines using Pakistani ingredients. A Special Business to Business (B2B) Secretariat is established for making pre-arranged meetings of exhibitors and buyers.
The exhibition will also host over 800 buyers from 75 countries, with a significant presence from China. International brands and government procurement agencies like Bulog (Indonesia) will participate. Notably, the event will have more than 130 buyers from the rice sector, he informed.
TDAP has focused more on China region, ASEAN, CARS and Africa as these regions constitute 80 percent of Pakistani agro export. “We have invited buyers from 30 African countries. Accordingly, we have focused more on Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine, Vietnam and Thailand from this region”, he mentioned.
Motiwala said that in Pakistan’s history never had 350 exhibitors’ exhibitions. All 6 halls are reserved and additional marquees are being placed to accommodate exhibitors.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
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