Dubai, January 2026 : The Consulate General of Pakistan in coordination with Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organized Pakistan-UAE Trade Conference and Business Networking event at Pakistan Association Dubai. The event was organized in the honor of Pakistani exhibitors participating in Gulfood 2026 being held from 26-30 January 2026. The event attracted a distinguished gathering of Diplomatic Corps responsible for trade, international delegates, buyers, distributors, importers, multi-national business councils, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, media personnel and Pakistani exhibitors as well as key stakeholders from the business community related to food & beverage sector.
The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, ex UAE Minister of Water & Environment, Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General Food &Agro, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Mr. Hussain Muhammad, the Consul General, senior officials from Dubai Municipality, Emirati businessmen and Diplomats from different countries based in Dubai. The event served as a mega platform to strengthen bilateral trade ties besides showcasing Pakistan’s export potential in food/agro sectors and to foster business-to-business partnerships between Pakistan and the UAE.
On invitation by Trade and Investment wing, different diplomats/delegates/buyers from USA, Egypt, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Peru, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, United Kingdom, France, Mozambique, China and UAE participated in the event for productive interaction, business matchmaking and B2B with Pakistani Exhibitors.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ali Zeb Khan, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the conference’s objective of creating B2B networking opportunities for Pakistani businesses to explore collaborative ventures.
Dr. Shahzad Amin, CEO Pakistan Dairy Association addressed the audience emphasizing the importance of such conferences in fostering partnerships with UAE-based businesses for enhancement of exports of Pakistan’s dairy products.Mr. Shabbir Merchant, President Pakistan Business Council Dubai assured of full support to Pakistani exhibitors in establishing connections with the local distributors and importers.
Mr. Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General TDAP, highlighted the diverse range of Pakistani agro-based products and their growing demand in international markets especially export of rice from Pakistan. He also outlined the 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.
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, during his address, appreciated Pakistan’s pro-active strategy in export enhancement of food/agro sectors and anticipated further deepening of Pakistan-UAE collaboration in the said sectors due to closed vicinity, likeliness of the quality of Pakistani rice, meat, grains and fruits & vegetables and the steps taken by the Mission in coordination with TDAP for trade promotion in the recent years.
Mr. Hussain Muhammad, in his concluding note, underscored the UAE’s significance as one of Pakistan’s strategic trade partners and a leading market for Pakistani agro-based products. He noted the consistent growth in Pakistan’s exports to the UAE, stating, “The UAE is one of the most reliable markets for Pakistani products”.
