Ambassador Tirmizi inaugurates Pakistan Pavilion at Gulfood 2025
Over 200 Pakistani companies present diverse agro-based products at Dubai's Premier Food Expo
DUBAI: In a vibrant display of Pakistan's agricultural and culinary heritage, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the 30th edition of Gulfood 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event, running from February 17 to 21, stands as one of the world's largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, featuring over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries.
Joining the Ambassador were Consul General Hussain Muhammad and Trade & Investment Counselor Ali Zeb Khan.
Pakistan Pavilion
Under the auspices of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), a total of 45 Pakistani companies are showcasing a rich array of agro-based products. These include staples such as rice and cereals, alongside meat, dairy, spices, cheese, processed foods, bakery items, salt, herbal products, honey, horticultural produce, juices, and beverages. Notably, over 200 Pakistani companies have joined the exhibition independently, underscoring the nation's expanding footprint in the global food market.
Ambassador Tirmizi expressed his pride in Pakistan's robust participation, stating, "It is a matter of great pride that 45 companies under TDAP, along with a total of 200 Pakistani companies privately, are participating in this prestigious event. Our stalls are ideally designed and strategically located, with increased space to attract local and global buyers. There is significant interest in our products, including basmati rice, spices, pink salt, and cheese."
Highlighting the upward trajectory of Pakistan's agro-based exports, particularly within the MENA region, the Ambassador emphasised the UAE's pivotal role as a key trading partner. He noted, "Gulfood offers an unparalleled platform for collaboration and innovation, enabling Pakistani exporters to maximize business-to-business opportunities through knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration with global business leaders."
Trade & Investment Counselor Ali Zeb Khan shared impressive export figures, revealing that Pakistan's agri-food exports reached $8 billion globally in the fiscal year 2023-2024, marking a 37 percent increase from the previous year's $5.8 billion. This surge was driven by significant increases in the exports of rice, maize, sesame seeds, meat, edible fruits, and vegetables. Specifically, rice exports accounted for $3.8 billion, sesame seeds $410 million, maize $421 million, meat $507 million, and onions $224 million.
Shabbir Merchant, President of the Pakistan Business Council Dubai, pledged unwavering support to Pakistani exhibitors, emphasising the council's commitment to promoting Pakistani products in the UAE and beyond.
Echoing this sentiment, Malik Faisal Jehangir, Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), expressed gratitude to Ambassador Tirmizi and the Commercial Section of the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai for their instrumental support in enhancing Pakistan's presence at global trade events like Gulfood.