Ahsan Iqbal Visits Pakistan Pavilion at Gulf Food 2026 to Boost Exports
Dubai : Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, visited the Pakistan Pavilion at Gulf Food 2026 in Dubai, highlighting the importance of boosting exports and promoting value-added products.
During the visit, the minister toured various Pakistani stalls, met exhibitors, and emphasized the need for Pakistani exporters to focus on enhancing product quality and increasing international competitiveness.
This year, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) facilitated participation for over 67 Pakistani companies, while 75 additional companies are taking part independently. Exhibitors showcased a wide range of products, including rice, pulses, cereals, world foods, beverages, meat, and poultry.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal said he was pleased to see Pakistan’s strong presence at the expo. He stressed that under the “Udaan Pakistan” initiative, increasing exports remains a top priority to drive the country toward economic self-reliance. He added that focusing on value-added exports is crucial for reducing dependency on IMF programs and foreign debt.
He outlined the government’s export targets, aiming to reach 60 billion dollars by 2030 and surpass 100 billion dollars by 2035, highlighting close collaboration with the private sector to enhance production, quality, and innovation. The minister emphasized that “Made in Pakistan” should become a symbol of quality globally.
During the visit, Professor Iqbal also toured the TDAP-organized Biryani Festival stall, appreciating efforts to promote Pakistani Basmati rice. Senior officials accompanying him included Athar Hussain Khokhar, DG Agro Division TDAP; Ali Zubair Khan, Trade and Investment Counselor; Shabbir Merchant, Chairman Pakistan Business Council Dubai; and Faisal Jahangir Malik, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan.
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