January 30, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan stepped up its export drive at Gulfood 2026 as Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal visited the country’s pavilion, where he encouraged exporters to focus on value addition and expansion into global markets.
The minister toured various Pakistani stalls and interacted with exhibitors, praising the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Pakistan Mission for ensuring a strong and vibrant national presence at the world’s largest food and beverage exhibition.
He said the large number of Pakistani stalls reflected growing momentum in the export sector, according to the press statement issued yesterday.
Speaking during the visit, Iqbal said increasing exports under the Uraan Pakistan initiative is the government’s foremost priority to move the economy toward self-reliance.
He described export growth as the only sustainable route to reducing dependence on the International Monetary Fund and external debt, while welcoming the private sector’s increasing focus on value-added products.
The minister also visited the Biryani Festival stall organized by TDAP, appreciating efforts to promote Pakistani basmati rice internationally.
TDAP Director General (Agro Division) Athar Hussain Khokhar and Trade & Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan briefed the minister on the Pakistan Pavilion.
The visit was attended by Shabbir Merchant, Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council Dubai, and Faisal Jehangir Malik, Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan.
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