Successful Conclusion of FoodAg-2024 with $1.2 Billion in Deals

Event Overview

The second International Food and Agriculture Exhibition (FoodAg-2024) concluded on Sunday, with transactions totaling over $1.2 billion. Held at the Expo Centre, the three-day event saw the participation of more than 800 buyers from 75 countries. Over 330 exporters showcased more than 500 quality products, with China leading with the largest delegation of over 150 buyers.

Key Outcomes

The exhibition facilitated 7,000 B2B meetings and resulted in the signing of over 36 MoUs. Noteworthy deals included $35 million in seafood contracts between Pakistani and Chinese firms. Significant interest in investments was also observed in sectors such as dairy, potato seeds, and beverages.

Side Activities and Conferences

TDAP organized factory visits for foreign delegates from Malaysia, Egypt, Tajikistan, Japan, and other nations to promote Pakistani exports. The Global Cuisine Show featured culinary artists using Pakistani ingredients, attracting international attention.

Key sideline events included the Pak-China Agri Investment Conference and Pak-Africa Investment Conference, focusing on trade and investment opportunities in aquaculture, meat, processed food, and agriculture. The Federal Minister of Commerce engaged in productive meetings to discuss expanding bilateral trade, agricultural exports, and halal markets.

Regulatory Discussions

Regulatory authorities from 13 countries met with their Pakistani counterparts to address SPS and quarantine issues, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing safety standards.

Future Prospects

The event also included a “Business Opportunities in Africa” conference, chaired by Ambassador Naeem Khan, aimed at boosting trade between Pakistan and African countries. Additionally, pitching sessions by provincial investment boards promoted foreign investment in corporate farming, fisheries, and value-added agricultural products.

TDAP Chief Executive Zubair Motiwalla expressed optimism that the $1.2 billion in export orders would help meet the targets set by the Prime Minister. Looking ahead, the upcoming FoodAg Manufacturing event in Lahore is expected to support value addition and mechanized farming, potentially initiating a new green revolution in Pakistan.