KARACHI ( WNAM REPORT ): Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, officially along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the highly anticipated FoodAg Pakistan 2024 at the Expo Centre Karachi on Friday. The event, organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), is set to be a significant milestone for the nation’s agricultural sector, drawing participation from 70 countries over 1000 delegates.
In his inaugural speech, the Minister expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his presence, which he stated is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s agricultural community and its commitment to driving economic growth. He also extended a warm welcome to the international guests who have traveled from across the globe to explore business opportunities and witness Pakistan’s agricultural prowess. Minister Jam Kamal Khan proudly highlighted the record-breaking achievements of Pakistan’s agricultural sector .He reported unprecedented production levels in key crops, including rice, mangoes, citrus, onions, potatoes, maize, and sesame. For instance, rice production reached an impressive 10 million tons, while mangoes and citrus recorded 1.8 million and 2.3 million tons, respectively.
These milestones, according to the Minister, are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of Pakistani farmers, as well as the effectiveness of the nation’s agricultural policies. The Minister also underscored the remarkable growth in Pakistan’s agricultural exports, which saw a substantial increase of 37.19% from USD 5.8 billion in 2022-23 to USD 8 billion in 2023-24. He noted significant gains in the export of rice, sesame seeds, and maize, which grew by 78.26%, 174.12%, and 121.16%, respectively.
This surge, he explained, demonstrates Pakistan’s capacity to compete in international markets and its commitment to maintaining high standards in food production. Minister lauded the pivotal role of TDAP in promoting Pakistani exports and organizing the FoodAg exhibition, which brings together key stakeholders from around the world. He emphasized that the event provides an invaluable platform for business-to-business meetings, seminars, and direct interactions between government regulatory bodies and industry leaders. The exhibition, he said, will not only showcase Pakistan’s advanced and reliable food products supply chain but also open doors for new partnerships and innovative solutions to further enhance agricultural exports.
In closing, Minister Jam expressed confidence that FoodAg Pakistan 2024 will pave the way for new opportunities and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global agricultural market. He assured international visitors that their decision to explore sourcing opportunities in Pakistan was a sound business choice, given the country’s mature and competitive supply base. The Minister concluded by reiterating his commitment to a brighter and more prosperous future for Pakistan, driven by continued collaboration and innovation in the agricultural sector.
FoodAg Pakistan 2024 will continue over the next three days, offering participants a comprehensive view of Pakistan’s agricultural capabilities and the potential for future growth and collaboration.
