Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, visited the Pakistan Pavilion at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai today. During the visit, he inspected various Pakistani stalls and interacted with exhibitors, emphasizing the importance of enhancing exports and prioritizing value addition.
This year, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has facilitated the participation of more than 67 Pakistani companies, while an additional 75 companies are participating independently. Pakistani exhibitors are showcasing a diverse range of products, including rice, pulses and grains, world foods, beverages, and meat and poultry.
The federal minister expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s strong representation at Gulfood, stating: “I am delighted to see that Pakistani exporters have established a significant presence at the Gulfood Expo.”
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, the government’s foremost priority is to increase exports to steer the national economy toward self‑reliance. He added: “If we want to permanently free ourselves from IMF and foreign loans, the only sustainable path is to boost exports. I am particularly encouraged to see that Pakistani exporters are now focusing on value‑added products, and the items displayed at various stalls meet international standards.”
The minister further stated: “Our target is to achieve 60 billion dollars in exports by 2030 and surpass 100 billion dollars by 2035. To achieve these milestones, the government will work closely with the private sector and extend full support. We are committed to promoting productivity, quality, and innovation so that ‘Made in Pakistan’ becomes a global symbol of excellence, and Pakistani products are prominently visible on every stall, every shop, and every shelf worldwide.”
Professor Ahsan Iqbal also visited the Biryani Festival stall established by TDAP and appreciated the initiative to promote Pakistani Basmati rice.
Also present on the occasion were Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General (Agro Division), TDAP; Ali Zaib Khan, Trade and Investment Counsellor; Shabbir Merchant, Chairman Pakistan Business Council Dubai; and Faisal Jahangir Malik, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan.