Pakistan’s First International Food and Agriculture Exhibition, FoodAg 2023, roared to life at the Expo Center in Karachi on Friday. Organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Ministry of Commerce, this pioneering event achieved its objectives of propelling Pakistan’s agricultural prowess onto the international platform while fostering B2B trade relations.
Amid a bustling atmosphere of anticipation, the grand inauguration ceremony marked the official launch of FoodAg 2023. Dignitaries and guests, including Mr. Kamran Tessori, Governor of Sindh, and Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqui, Federal Secretary for Commerce, graced the event. Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Chief Executive TDAP, welcomed the esteemed delegates, urging them to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Pakistan’s food and agriculture sector. He also introduced Pakistan as “one of the top ten producers of almost all agriculture produce” in the world.
Major General Shahid Nazir provided an insightful presentation on the investment opportunities made available through the Special Investment Facilitation Council – a special council announced in Karachi at FoodAg.
A key highlight of the three-day exhibition was the vibrant interaction between local businesses and international buyers. Spread across five bustling exhibition halls, the event served as a dynamic platform for productive conversations. Representatives from local enterprises engaged with foreign buyers, sparking promising discussions on commodities such as sugar, wheat, rice, dates, confectionery, and beverages. This showcase of Pakistan’s agricultural prowess not only amplified economic prospects for local businesses but also projected a radiant future for the nation’s economy.
The event resonated with the essence of collaboration, exemplified by the signing of several pivotal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). From chilli and dates export to China and Kazakhstan to logistics and packaging deals with African countries, these agreements underlined the potential for substantial growth in the sector.
Beyond the exhibition floor, an Agri Investment Conference set the stage for insightful deliberations. It began with a panel discussion on Friday featuring heads of Provincial Boards of Investment who revealed the lucrative investment opportunities inherent in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. International buyers and notable country delegations engaged in meetings with TDAP officials to learn more about Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Geographical Indications (GI).
Coming to the most fun aspect of the whole exhibition, the Global Cuisine Show was a great concept to show how our products are worthy of export. A team brought together culinary virtuosos from 14 countries who participated in live cooking shows, hosted by the Turkish star Sylvia Kusumalie and Pakistani host Faizan Haqqee. Their live cooking shows not only satisfied taste buds but also celebrated cultural diversity.
The significance of FoodAg 2023 extended to far-reaching collaborations. A partnership between Syngenta Pakistan and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) sought to revolutionise food systems. This initiative aimed to bridge small farmers and end-to-end value chains, amplifying efficiency and food security. Senior minister Punjab Ahsan Tanveer and Mr. Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor Beijing, bore witness to the signing ceremonies and engaging discussions.
The remarkable success of FoodAg 2023 is a testament of the pivotal role it played in driving exports, showcasing Pakistan’s diverse agricultural produce, and fostering international awareness beyond textile. By providing a global stage for Pakistan’s agricultural brilliance, TDAP has truly positioned the nation as a force that can feed world quality on the international platform.
