FoodAg-2024 concludes with $1.2 Billion in deals, boosting Pakistan’s Agricultural Exports

KARACHI – The 2nd International Food and Agriculture Exhibition (FoodAg-2024) wrapped up successfully, garnering over $1.2 billion in deals. The three-day event, which took place from August 9th to 11th, attracted over 800 buyers from 75 countries and 330 exporters showcasing more than 500 high-quality products.

China led the international participation with more than 150 buyers in attendance. The event fostered a strong B2B networking platform, hosting over 7,000 B2B meetings and facilitating the signing of 36 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors, including rice, seafood, processed food, and spices.

A major highlight was signing of seafood agreements between Pakistani and Chinese companies, amounting to $35 million.

Delegations from Malaysia, Egypt, and Japan also made factory visits aimed at boosting Pakistani export quality. Alongside the exhibition, the Pak-China Agri Investment Conference and Pak-Africa Investment Conference facilitated strategic discussions with delegations from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Belgium, and other nations, focusing on expanding bilateral trade and addressing challenges related to agricultural exports and infrastructure.

The exhibition also featured meetings between representatives from 13 regulatory authorities and their Pakistani counterparts, with the aim of improving food safety standards and resolving Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and quarantine issues.

Adding cultural vibrancy to the event, the Global Cuisine show, organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), highlighted Pakistani ingredients and culinary skills from chefs worldwide. The show drew international delegates and media personalities, further boosting the exhibition’s global appeal.

The event’s importance was underscored by the attendance of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori. During his visit, the Prime Minister reiterated the significance of the agricultural sector in the country’s economic growth. TDAP’s Chief Executive, Mr. Zubair Motiwalla, expressed optimism, noting that the USD 1.2 billion in estimated export orders aligns with the targets set by the Prime Minister during his inauguration address. He also announced the upcoming FoodAg Manufacturing event scheduled for December in Lahore, aimed at supporting mechanized farming and value addition in Pakistan’s agricultural industry.

FoodAg-2024 stands as a testament to the potential of Pakistan’s agricultural sector, offering promising prospects for its global competitiveness and sustainable growth.