Pakistan-UAE trade conference highlights growing demand for Pakistani exports

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Consulate General in Dubai, in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), hosted the Pakistan-United Arab Emirates Trade Conference 2025 at the Pakistan Association Dubai. The event brought together international delegates, Pakistani exhibitors participating in Gulfood 2025, and key stakeholders from the business community.

The conference was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General Hussain Muhammad, and senior officials from the consulate. Delegates and business representatives from the UAE, USA, Egypt, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Peru, Nigeria and China also participated.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Tirmizi underscored the UAE’s significance as one of Pakistan’s key trade partners and a major market for its agro-based products. He highlighted the steady growth in Pakistani exports to the UAE, stating: “The UAE is one of the oldest and most reliable markets for Pakistani products. We have witnessed a steady upward trend in our exports, reflecting the strong demand for high-quality Pakistani goods. This conference provides an excellent opportunity for our exporters to explore new avenues and strengthen their pr esence in the UAE market.”

He also commended the efforts of the Consulate General’s commercial section for organising a successful event that will contribute to boosting Pakistan’s trade potential globally. Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Consulate General Ali Zeb Khan welcomed the attendees and emphasised the conference’s objective of fostering networking opportunities for businesses to explore collaborative ventures. He stressed the importance of such initiatives in enhancing trade relations and unlocking new avenues for economic cooperation.

TDAP Director General Athar Hussain Khokhar highlighted the diverse range of Pakistani agro-based products and their increasing demand in international markets.

He reiterated TDAP’s commitment to supporting exporters and facilitating trade initiatives. President of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Dubai Shabbir Merchant and Chairperson of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Malik Faisal Jehangir also addressed the audience, emphasising the role of such conferences in strengthening partnerships with UAE-based businesses. The event concluded with a networking session, allowing exhibitors and delegates to engage in meaningful discussions and explore potential collaborations.

TDAP to host FoodAg Manufacturing Expo in Lahore

TDAP is set to host its first-ever food and beverage (F&B) manufacturing exhibition, FoodAg Manufacturing 2025, from February 26 to 28 at the Expo Centre Lahore. The event aims to exhibit cutting-edge advancements in food processing, packaging and agricultural technology.

The expo will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss state-of-the-art machinery, AI-driven food innovations and nanotechnology-enabled packaging solutions. A key feature will be the Hall of Fame, a dedicated space highlighting international exhibitors at the forefront of food manufacturing advancements.

With over 100 speakers, the event will feature panel discussions, keynote sessions and workshops on emerging industry trends. It will also provide a platform for networking, joint ventures and business collaborations, fostering connections between local and global markets. TDAP’s initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance its food manufacturing sector, increase productivity, and promote sustainable practices.