DUBAI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has marked its largest-ever participation at Gulfood 2026, the world’s leading food and beverage trade exhibition, with the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion in Dubai.
The 31st edition of Gulfood features more than 1.5 million products presented by 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries across 12 food and beverage sectors. Pakistan’s expanded presence at the global exhibition reflects sustained efforts to boost exports, diversify markets and strengthen integration with international food value chains.
This year, TDAP has facilitated the participation of a record 67 Pakistani companies, while another 75 companies are participating independently. Pakistani exhibitors are spread across four specialised pavilions covering Rice, Pulses and Grains, World Food, Beverages, and Meat and Poultry sectors. Notably, 30 rice-sector companies are participating under TDAP, underscoring Pakistan’s strong and growing position in the global agri-food market.
On the opening day, Director General (Agro Division) TDAP Athar Hussain Khokhar, along with Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai Hussain Muhammad and the trade counsellor, visited the Pakistan Pavilion at Dubai Expo City and the Dubai World Trade Centre.
“Pakistan’s largest-ever participation at Gulfood is a strong reflection of our commitment to economic diplomacy and export-led growth,” the consul general said during the visit.
Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan briefed the delegation on pavilion layout, country branding, stall locations, media engagement and upcoming B2B meetings and networking events scheduled at the Pakistan Association Dubai.
The delegation visited each stall and interacted with exhibitors, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and appreciated the facilitation provided by the Pakistan Mission in Dubai. Buyers from regional and international markets showed strong interest in Pakistani products, including rice, cereals, dairy items, spices, cheese, processed foods, bakery products, meat, salt, juices and beverages, indicating promising export prospects.
In addition to exhibition activities, DG Agro Athar Hussain Khokhar represented Pakistan as a speaker at the Gulfood Future Food 500 Summit held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Addressing the summit, he highlighted the evolution of smart agri-food systems, outlined government initiatives to attract investment in the agro sector and emphasised Pakistan’s contribution to global food security, particularly as a leading supplier of rice to more than 100 countries.
