Pakistan-UAE trade conference held in Dubai to boost food and agro exports

Special Correspondent

Dubai: The Consulate General of Pakistan, in coordination with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), on Monday organised a Pakistan–UAE Trade Conference and Business Networking event in Dubai, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties and promoting Pakistan’s food and agro-based exports.

The event, held at the Pakistan Association Dubai, was organised in honour of Pakistani exhibitors participating in Gulfood 2026, which is taking place from January 26 to 30.

It drew a large gathering of diplomatic representatives, international buyers, distributors, importers, multinational business councils, officials from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, media personnel and Pakistani exporters, along with key stakeholders from the food and beverage sector.

Among the attendees were H.E. Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, former UAE minister of water and environment; Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General Food & Agro, TDAP; Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan; senior officials from Dubai Municipality, Emirati businessmen, and diplomats from various countries based in Dubai.

The conference served as a platform to showcase Pakistan’s export potential, promote business-to-business linkages and foster new partnerships between Pakistani and UAE companies.

On the invitation of the Trade and Investment Wing, delegates and buyers from the United States, Egypt, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Peru, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, Mozambique, China and the UAE participated in business matchmaking and B2B sessions with Pakistani exhibitors.

In his opening remarks, Ali Zeb Khan welcomed the participants and said the conference aimed to create meaningful networking opportunities and enable Pakistani businesses to explore collaborative ventures.

Dr Shahzad Amin, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Dairy Association, highlighted the importance of such forums in strengthening partnerships with UAE-based companies, particularly to enhance exports of Pakistani dairy products.

Shabbir Merchant, President of the Pakistan Business Council Dubai, assured full support to Pakistani exhibitors in establishing connections with local distributors and importers.

Addressing the gathering, Athar Hussain Khokhar underlined the diversity and growing global demand for Pakistan’s agro-based products, with special reference to rice exports. He also outlined government initiatives to attract investment in the agro sector and emphasised Pakistan’s role in global food security, noting that the country supplies rice to over 100 countries.

In his remarks, Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi appreciated Pakistan’s proactive export strategy and expressed optimism about deeper Pakistan–UAE cooperation in food and agriculture, citing geographical proximity and the popularity of Pakistani rice, meat, grains, fruits and vegetables in the UAE market.

Concluding the event, Consul General Hussain Muhammad said the UAE remained one of Pakistan’s most important trade partners and a major destination for agro-based exports. He noted the consistent growth in bilateral trade and described the UAE as one of the most reliable markets for Pakistani products.