The Government of Pakistan has renewed its emphasis on enhancing the productivity and global competitiveness of its agricultural sector. This strategic pivot is part of a broader economic agenda to boost export revenues, create international partnerships, and solidify Pakistan’s presence in key global markets. A major step in this initiative was the recent Food and Agriculture Expo (FAE) 2024, or FoodAg 2024, which proved to be a major milestone in showcasing Pakistan’s agricultural potential.
FoodAg 2024: a gateway to global agricultural markets
Prime Minister Shehbaz inaugurated the 2nd International Food and Agriculture Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Centre, organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). This three-day event attracted over 800 international buyers from 75 countries and brought together 330 exporters, presenting 500 high-quality agricultural products. Pakistan’s agricultural diversity, from seafood and spices to rice and processed foods, took centre stage, marking the country as a rising player in global trade.
In his speech, the prime minister said the agricultural export target should be $7 billion for the upcoming year. It is worth noting that Pakistan plans to send 1,000 graduates annually to China for agricultural training.
By forging international partnerships, addressing regulatory challenges, and promoting its diverse agricultural products, Pakistan is well-positioned to increase its agricultural exports, strengthen its economy, and elevate its standing in global markets.
The outcome of FoodAg 2024 was a success. The event generated a remarkable $1.2 billion in deals and contracts between Pakistani sellers and foreign buyers. China, Pakistan’s largest trading partner, led the participation with over 150 buyers. Significant agreements included a $35 million deal between Pakistani and Chinese companies for seafood exports, highlighting Pakistan’s potential to tap into China’s growing demand for premium food products.
Strengthening international trade relations
The Expo was not just about commercial deals but also a platform for dialogue and collaboration. The Pak-China and Pak-Africa Agri Investment Conferences held during FoodAg 2024 focused on expanding bilateral trade, improving agricultural exports, and upgrading trade infrastructure. This platform created opportunities to address key regulatory issues, such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and quarantine protocols. Representatives from 13 regulatory authorities were present, emphasising the importance of streamlining trade operations and ensuring Pakistan’s agricultural exports meet international standards.
Cultural diplomacy also played a role in strengthening ties with global stakeholders. TDAP organised a Cuisine Show that featured renowned chefs preparing dishes using Pakistani ingredients, adding a unique cultural element to the event. This boosted the visibility of Pakistan’s diverse food offerings and enhanced the overall experience for international delegates, opening doors for further trade discussions.
Expanding opportunities in China’s sesame market
The FoodAg 2024 was closely followed by the TDAP-led initiative focused on Pakistan’s sesame seed exports. A delegation of 23 Pakistani sesame exporters visited Beijing and Handan in Hebei province from 19 to 20 August 2024, marking a crucial step in expanding Pakistan’s presence in China’s sesame market.
The Pakistan-China B2B Sesame Conference held at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing attracted 19 major Chinese enterprises. Over 100 B2B meetings highlighted the growing interest in sourcing sesame seeds from Pakistan, presenting new export opportunities. This effort was further bolstered by the delegation’s visit to Daming County in Handan, a significant sesame consumption hub, where the Pakistani exporters engaged with China’s top 10 sesame companies in a B2B seminar. Discussions on pricing, quality, and preferences for Pakistani sesame led to a preliminary agreement to establish a warehousing facility in Daming County’s industrial zone—an essential step for facilitating future exports.
While China currently imports sesame seeds from countries like Ethiopia, Mozambique, and India, the growing awareness of Pakistan’s sesame products presents an opportunity to increase its market share. TDAP’s efforts to educate Pakistani farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for sesame seeds through webinars in Sahiwal, Khanewal, Layyah, and Bhakkar are critical for meeting international quality standards and enhancing the export potential of this commodity.
Future prospects
The momentum generated by FoodAg 2024 and subsequent initiatives is set to continue with Pakistan’s participation in international events such as the Sial InterFOOD in Jakarta, Indonesia, scheduled for 13 to 16 November 2024. This event will provide another platform for Pakistani businesses to showcase their products and engage with international buyers. This is the first time that such a considerable effort has been undertaken to promote Pakistan’s food and agricultural products on this scale to ensure that the agriculture sector becomes an important part of the country’s export-driven growth strategy.
Through the efforts of TDAP and other stakeholders, the Pakistani government is taking a proactive approach to transforming the agricultural sector into a globally competitive industry. By forging international partnerships, addressing regulatory challenges, and promoting its diverse agricultural products, Pakistan is well-positioned to increase its agricultural exports, strengthen its economy, and elevate its standing in global markets. The success of FoodAg 2024 is a clear indicator that Pakistan’s agricultural sector is on a promising trajectory, poised to contribute significantly to the country’s economic future.
