Second edition of “FOODAg-24” to generate $1b business: Zubair Motiwala

KARACHI, Aug 01 (APP): Chairman Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Zubair Motiwala on Thursday announced that the second edition of “FOODAg-24” would be held from August 9 to 11 at Expo Centre and hoped that it would generate $ 1 billion business as compared to previous event’s $ 450 million.
He said this while addressing a press conference here at TDAP office.
The Chairman TDAP said that Pakistan’s agriculture sector demonstrated impressive growth, with agro and food product export surpassing $ 8 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, which is 37 percent increase compared to previous year. This remarkable surge underscores the sector’s growing significance in the global market.
“TDAP is organizing second edition of the International Food and Agriculture Exhibition “FOODAg-2024” which is scheduled to be held from August 9 to 11 here at Expo Centre.
Under the theme “Growing a Sustainable Future”, the exhibition will showcase Pakistan’s substantial contributions to global food security, empowering exporters to display their products, explore joint venture opportunity with international partners and elevate the qualitative standards of Pakistan’s agricultural produce, Motiwala added.
He said China has been designated as Guest of Honour country for the event. An exclusive Pak-China Agro Trade and Investment Conference will be held on the second day of the event, highlighting the robust trade relationship between the two nations, Motiwala said, adding that the exhibition will feature over 350 companies, showcasing a wide range of Pakistan’s strengths in both raw and processed agro and food products. He said the product lineup includes seafood, cereals, fruits, vegetables, dates, spices, dairy, Hallal meat, poultry, edible oil/ghee, salt, confectionary and processed foods.
He said the rice sector will have a significant presence with more than 45 companies participating. In addition to the main exhibition, a series of sideline activities will emphasize potential of various sectors. “Along with a conference on impacts of climate change,10 specialized seminars will cover topics of Horticulture, seafood, dairy potential, intellectual property connecting agricultural exports through the Transporters Internationaux Routiers (TIR), value addition, e-commerce opportunities in the agri sector”.
He told global Cuisine Show will also be held, featuring chefs from 15 countries who will prepare international cuisines using Pakistani ingredients.
He said the exhibition will also host 800 buyers from 75 countries with significant presence from China. In selection of buyers, we have focussed more on China region, ASEAN, CARS and Africa as these regions contribute 80% of our agro export.
Last year, we had exported more than $ 1.2 billion rice to Africa region therefore we have invited buyers from 30 African countries. Secondly, we had exported $ 1.5 billion export to ASEAN region and focused on Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, he expressed.
Zubair Motiwala said in order to further promote agriculture sector, major media outlets such as China Economic Net (China), Metro TV (Indonesia) SalamNews(Turkmenistan), Egyptian newspaper Elmasry, Elyoum and BTN (Rawanda) were invited to cover the event.
He said in last edition, business of $ 450 million was generated and expecting to generate $ 1 billion business during second edition for which all 6 halls have been reserved.
Director General TDAP Athar Khokhar and others were also present on the occasion.