DUBAI: The Consulate General of Pakistan, in coordination with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), organised the Pakistan–UAE Trade Conference and Business Networking event at the Pakistan Association Dubai to strengthen bilateral trade ties and promote Pakistan’s food and agro exports.
The event was held in honour of Pakistani exhibitors participating in Gulfood 2026, underway in Dubai from January 26 to 30. It drew a large gathering of diplomats handling trade portfolios, international buyers, distributors, importers, multinational business councils, representatives of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, media personnel and Pakistani exhibitors from the food and beverage sector.
Participants included former UAE minister Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, TDAP Director General Food and Agro Athar Hussain Khokhar, Pakistan’s Consul General Hussain Muhammad, senior officials from Dubai Municipality, Emirati businessmen and diplomats from various countries based in Dubai.
Delegations 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 took part in business matchmaking sessions and B2B meetings with Pakistani exhibitors.
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In his opening remarks, Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan said the conference aimed to create meaningful B2B networking opportunities and encourage collaborative ventures between Pakistani exporters and international partners.
Pakistan Dairy Association chief executive Shahzad Amin highlighted the importance of such platforms in expanding Pakistan’s dairy exports and building long-term partnerships with UAE-based businesses.
Pakistan Business Council Dubai president Shabbir Merchant assured full support to Pakistani exhibitors in connecting with local distributors and importers.
TDAP Director General Athar Hussain Khokhar highlighted Pakistan’s diverse agro-based export basket and the growing global demand for Pakistani products, particularly rice. He also outlined government initiatives to attract investment in the agro sector and stressed Pakistan’s role in global food security as a leading rice exporter to more than 100 countries.
Former UAE minister Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi appreciated Pakistan’s proactive export strategy and expressed optimism about deeper Pakistan–UAE collaboration in food and agro sectors, citing geographic proximity and strong demand for Pakistani rice, meat, grains, fruits and vegetables.
In his concluding remarks, Consul General Hussain Muhammad described the UAE as one of Pakistan’s most important trade partners and a key destination for agro-based exports, noting steady growth in bilateral trade. “The UAE is one of the most reliable markets for Pakistani products,” he said.
