Pakistan hosted its first International Food and Agriculture Exhibition, FoodAg 2023. The event kicked off on 10th August, 2023 and will continue until 12th August, 2023. The exhibition was inaugurated in Expo Center, Karachi by Mr. Kamran Tessori, Governor of Sindh, and Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Farooqi, Federal Secretary for Commerce. Organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Ministry of Commerce & Textile, the exhibition aims to transform the Agro and food sector in the country.
The Expo Centre in Karachi welcomed over 600 international delegates from 56 countries. This marked a crucial moment for Pakistan to display its potential and establish global connections in the agro and food industry.
The exhibition hall was a hub of activity, hosting 221 exhibitors who displayed an extensive range of over 400 products. The diverse product offering highlighted Pakistan’s potential and versatility within the global agro and food landscape. The gathering served as a meeting point for producers, importers, exporters, buyers, retailers, and media representatives.
Startup Pakistan’s team attended FoodAg 2023, observing the multitude of opportunities it presents for Pakistani brands. Representatives from various countries joined, interacting with Pakistani counterparts. International delegates exhibited a strong enthusiasm for tapping into Pakistan’s market potential. The team noted the emerging opportunities and innovations within the country’s agro and food sector.
The event’s highlights included the Cuisine Show, where both local and international chefs, including culinary experts from Azerbaijan and South Korea, collaborated to create exquisite dishes using Pakistani ingredients. A South Korean chef led a captivating cooking show, and numerous renowned chefs and guests from around the world graced the event with their esteemed presence. This culinary celebration not only showcased Pakistan’s rich gastronomic heritage but also fostered cultural connections through the universal language of food.
Simultaneously, the Agri Investment Conference facilitated profound discussions between global investors and foreign delegates. Representatives from all provinces of Pakistan (Punjab, KPK, Baluchistan, Sindh) delivered speeches highlighting investment prospects within each region to the delegates. Furthermore, international delegations held productive meetings with TDAP officials, fostering potential collaborations. The event also featured the participation of 15 regulatory offices dedicated to resolving quarantine-related issues and G2G meetings, all organized by TDAP.
The ASEAN delegation comprising 50 members, made a significant impact by participating in over 200 meetings, 250 B2B interactions, and signing 5 MOUs, including potential corporate farming investments in Southern Punjab. The success continued from the ASEAN-Pakistan Business Opportunities Conference in Lahore, where more than 400 B2B meetings took place. A Singaporean delegate expressed interest in a significant investment of 10,000 acres of land for corporate farming under the Green Initiatives scheme.
Pakistani brands achieved a significant accomplishment by being exhibited on the global stage for the first time. This event provided domestic brands with the opportunity to shine on an international platform. The exhibition served as a launching pad for these brands to gain global recognition, a critical step in propelling Pakistan toward becoming a prominent exporter of high-quality food products.
As FoodAg 2023 proceeds, interactions between exhibitors and the public amplify the exhibition’s momentum. The success of the event underscores the government’s commitment to driving exports, fostering economic progress, and nurturing strategic partnerships. Pakistan has confidently positioned itself as a significant influencer in the international agro and food trade through this platform for global exposure and collaboration.
The sentiments and opportunities expressed at the exhibition align with Pakistan’s aspiration to attract significant investment in its agricultural sector. Media personnel interviewed international exporters, among whom the Jeddah-based Jahaf stood out for their keen interest. They were particularly drawn towards Pakistan’s immense potential in fruits, vegetables and fisheries. Similarly, Nigerian delegates recognized the value of Pakistani food products, with significant purchases reported.
China’s active engagement is evident, with Alan Xi of China Machinery Engineering Corporation expressing a readiness to invest and potentially establish manufacturing operations. This exhibition instills optimism in Pakistani exporters, anticipating substantial growth due to strong foreign engagement.
In conclusion, FoodAg 2023 stands as a resounding success, holding optimistic prospects for Pakistani brands and markets in the future. Events like these play a pivotal role in driving the country’s economic growth and international recognition. This inaugural event marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards becoming a prominent player in the global agro and food trade.
