A mild cloudy day has always been adored in Karachi, the city of lights. People associate it with a day worthy of respite and positive mood change where one can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily city life and enjoy some calming moments.
However, while the citizens were enjoying the cloudy weather, something else was brewing at Karachi’s Expo on the 10th of Aug. It was the hobnobbing of 600 international buyers with 200+ exhibitors who were on a visit to the first-ever global food and agriculture exhibition in Pakistan’s history. The three-day event was called the FoodAg 2023.
These interested buyers had flown from 56 different countries all the way to Pakistan and inquired about the opportunities in the food and Agribusiness, to strengthen corporations and create hopes for a better and smooth bilateral trade.
It is rare for Pakistan to host such opportunistic events that this scale. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) along with the Ministry of Commerce and Textile launched it in a ceremonial style as buyers flocked in and eagerly conversed with the domestic sellers.
Mr. Kamran Tessori, the Governor of Sindh along with Mr. Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqui, the Federal Secretary for Commerce kick-started the event with much-needed enthusiasm given the current ongoing political scenario.
The Chief executive of TDAP Mr. Muhammad ZubairMotiwala greeted the delegates and entrepreneurs. All the activities were carried out with only one main goal: To show the food and agricultural potential of Pakistan.
Investments opportunities were presented, visions were shown, and communications opportunities were set up between domestic and foreign parties. New gateways were opened for future trade prospects
Pakistani Fruit sellers were set up, their fruits turning their arranged portions into a vibrant corner worthy of exploration. Processed foods and meat products were also the center of attention as international buyers kept inquiring about them.
Additionally, special initiatives were elaborated under the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
Earlier in July, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had said that Pakistan has the potential enough to attract $40-$50 billion worth of investment in its food sector. The FoodAg 2023 was a testament to this statement.
A report mentioned the participation of 130 Chinese entrepreneurs in the event. The event was attended by the ASEAN country members (Singapore, Vietnam, Brunie Darussalam, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Burma, Malaysia, and Laos) Algeria, Mexico, and more.
Additionally, an international-level state-of-the-art culinary show was organized by TDAP. International chefs showcased their cooking prowess with Pakistani ingredients. A profound international collaboration between different cultures was witnessed through the love for food.
Flavored Spices, Fresh fruits and Vegetables, confectionary items, rice, and diverse meat products enticed a number of international buyers in the first-ever food and agricultural exhibition of Pakistan. MOUs were signed, and multiple trade deals were closed.
FoodAG2023 was trending all over the internet, especially in the business community. The event was nothing short of a hope Pakistan needed to prosper and get back on track with development.
