The three-day event at the Expo Centre drew over 800 buyers from 75 countries, with 330 exporters presenting more than 500 high-quality products. The largest group came from China, with over 150 buyers attending.
During the event, 7,000 business-to-business (B2B) meetings were held, leading to the signing of over 36 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in sectors like rice, processed food, seafood, and various fruits and vegetables. Notably, Pakistani and Chinese companies signed $35 million in seafood contracts. Additionally, there was significant international investment interest in dairy, potato seeds, and beverages. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organized factory tours for foreign delegates to boost Pakistani exports, with delegations from Malaysia, Egypt, Tajikistan, Japan, and other countries visiting various production sites. Another highlight was the Global Cuisine Show, where chefs used Pakistani ingredients, drawing media personalities and international delegations from several countries.
Key side events included the Pak-China Agri Investment Conference and the Pak-Africa Investment Conference, both aimed at enhancing trade and investment. Discussions centred on collaboration in aquaculture, meat, processed food, and agriculture. The Federal Minister of Commerce had productive meetings with delegations from various countries, focusing on increasing bilateral trade, agricultural exports, and developing halal product markets.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and other trade associations engaged in detailed negotiations with their foreign counterparts. Regulatory authorities from 13 countries held extensive talks with Pakistani authorities to address safety and quarantine issues, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to improving safety standards.
A conference on “Business Opportunities in Africa,” chaired by Ambassador Naeem Khan, focused on boosting trade and investment between Pakistan and African countries. The exhibition also included pitching sessions by provincial investment boards, encouraging foreign investment in corporate farming, fisheries, and value-added agricultural products.
TDAP Chief Executive Zubair Motiwalla expressed confidence that the $1.2 billion in export orders would help achieve the Prime Minister’s targets. He also highlighted the upcoming FoodAg Manufacturing event in Lahore, which aims to promote value addition and mechanized farming in Pakistan, potentially leading to a new green revolution in the country.
