Pakistan, UAE explore snack industry partnerships

October 20, 2025 (MLN): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) private sector has expressed strong interest in forming joint ventures with Pakistani companies in the rapidly expanding food processing industry, particularly within the snacks segment, according to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

Convener of the FPCCI Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, revealed that a delegation of Pakistani food exporters is currently visiting the UAE to explore export opportunities and potential investments.

During a series of business meetings and networking sessions, UAE investors recognized Pakistan’s strong agricultural foundation, competitive labor force and growing food processing capacity as key strengths for mutually beneficial collaboration.

Imran noted that such partnerships would not only boost Pakistan’s food exports but also generate employment and strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

The collaboration aims to establish modern snack manufacturing units and distribution networks across the UAE, ensuring a steady supply of premium Pakistani food products to Gulf consumers.

Both sides agreed to continue engagement through trade exhibitions, investment forums, and business-to-business meetings to deepen cooperation and unlock the sector’s full potential.

UAE entrepreneurs highlighted that joint ventures with Pakistani firms could help meet rising regional demand for affordable, high-quality snack products, while fostering technology transfer, packaging innovation, and halal certification alignment all critical for enhancing global competitiveness.

Industry experts believe the initiative could mark a significant milestone in Pakistan-UAE economic relations, offering new growth avenues in the value-added food sector and positioning Pakistan as a reliable partner in the Gulf’s expanding food market.