Pakistan Pavilion Inaugurated at Gulfood 2025, Showcasing Premium Agro-Food Exports

Pakistan has made a significant mark at Gulfood 2025, one of the world’s premier food and beverage trade exhibitions, with the official inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion by Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event, running from February 17-21, brings together over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries, highlighting innovations and trends in the global food industry.

Accompanying the ambassador at the opening ceremony were Consul General Hussain Muhammad and Trade & Investment Counselor Ali Zeb Khan, alongside key stakeholders from Pakistan’s food and trade sectors.

Under the leadership of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), 45 leading Pakistani companies are exhibiting a diverse range of agro-based products, including:

• Premium Basmati & Non-Basmati Rice
• Meat, Poultry & Dairy Products
• Organic Pink Salt
• Processed Foods & Bakery Items
• Honey, Herbal Products & Dry Fruits
• Horticultural Produce, Juices & Beverages

Beyond the TDAP representation, over 200 Pakistani private enterprises are also participating independently, reinforcing Pakistan’s expanding role in the global food industry.

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi highlighted the significant global demand for Pakistani food products, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

“Pakistan’s presence at Gulfood 2025 reflects our commitment to expanding agro-food exports and strengthening trade ties, particularly with the UAE—one of our key partners in the food sector. The interest in Pakistani rice, spices, salt, and dairy products has been overwhelming,” he stated.

Trade & Investment Counselor Ali Zeb Khan shared promising statistics, revealing that Pakistan’s agri-food exports reached $8 billion in FY24, marking a 37% growth compared to the previous fiscal year. Major export contributors include:

✅ Rice & Maize
✅ Meat & Poultry
✅ Sesame & Edible Fruits
✅ Vegetables & Dairy Products

The UAE remains a key export market, facilitating business-to-business (B2B) collaborations and enabling Pakistani companies to explore new opportunities in global food distribution networks.

Shabbir Merchant, President of the Pakistan Business Council Dubai, reaffirmed the council’s dedication to promoting Pakistani products in international markets.

Similarly, Malik Faisal Jehangir, Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), acknowledged the instrumental support from Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Dubai in enhancing the country’s trade presence at global platforms like Gulfood.

With an increasing focus on high-quality exports, food innovation, and strategic partnerships, Pakistan’s participation in Gulfood 2025 reflects its growing influence in the international food industry, paving the way for new trade alliances and market expansion.