Dubai, 26 January 2026 : 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 brings together more than 1.5 million products showcased by 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, spanning over 12 food and beverage sectors. Pakistan’s expanded presence at this premier global platform highlights the country’s sustained efforts to enhance exports, diversify markets, and strengthen engagement with global food value chains.
This year, TDAP is facilitating the participation of an unprecedented 67 Pakistani companies, while 75 companies are participating independently, across four specialized pavilions covering Rice, Pulses & Grains, World Food, Beverages, and Meat & Poultry sectors. Notably, 30 companies from the rice sector are participating under TDAP, reflecting a strong and robust presence and reinforcing Pakistan’s growing footprint in the global agri-food marketplace.
On the opening day of the exhibition, Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General (Agro Division), TDAP, along with H.E. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, and the Trade Counsellor, visited the Pakistan Pavilion at Dubai Expo City (DEC) and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
“Pakistan’s largest-ever participation at Gulfood is a strong reflection of our commitment to economic diplomacy and export-led growth”, said the Consul General.
During the visit, Trade & Investment Counsellor Mr. Ali Zeb Khan briefed the delegation on stall locations, country branding, pavilion layout and design, media engagement, and the subsequent B2B meetings and networking event being organized at the Pakistan Association Dubai.
The DG Agro, Consul General, and Trade Counsellor visited each stall and interacted extensively with the exhibitors. The 67 Pakistani companies participating under TDAP expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and appreciated the assistance and facilitation provided by the Pakistan Mission in Dubai. Regional and international buyers demonstrated keen interest in a wide range of Pakistani products, including rice, cereals, dairy products, spices, cheese, processed foods, bakery items, meat, salt, juices, and beverages, reflecting strong demand and promising export prospects.
In addition to exhibition activities, Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General (Agro Division), TDAP, represented Pakistan as a distinguished speaker at the Gulfood Future Food 500 Summit, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Speaking at the Al Mutaqua Ballroom, he highlighted the evolution of Smart Agri-Food Systems, outlined key government initiatives aimed at attracting investment in the agro sector, and underscored Pakistan’s vital contribution to global food security, particularly its role as a leading supplier of rice to over 100 countries worldwide.
