ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Friday highlighted the record achievements of Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Jam Kamal Khan along with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated FoodAg Pakistan 2024 at Expo Center Karachi, a press release issued here said.
Organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the event is expected to be a major milestone for the country’s agriculture sector and is attended by more than 1,000 delegates from 70 countries.
In his inaugural address, the minister thanked the Prime Minister for his presence, which he said was a testament to the government’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s agricultural community and its commitment to drive economic growth.
Meanwhile, he highlighted progress in the country’s agriculture, reporting unprecedented levels of production of key crops, including rice, mangoes, citrus, onions, potatoes, maize and sesame. For example, rice production reached an impressive 10 million tonnes, while mango and citrus recorded 1.8 million and 2.3 million tonnes respectively.
According to the minister, these milestones are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of Pakistan’s farmers as well as the effectiveness of the national agricultural policy, he said.
The minister also highlighted the remarkable growth of Pakistan’s agricultural exports, which saw a substantial increase of 37.19% from USD 5.8 billion in 2022-23 to USD 8 billion in 2023-24.
It recorded significant gains in exports of rice, sesame seeds and maize, which increased by 78.26%, 174.12% and 121.16% respectively.
This increase, he explained, demonstrates Pakistan’s ability to compete in international markets and its determination to maintain high standards in food production. He also extended a warm welcome to international guests who traveled from all over the world to explore business opportunities and witness Pakistan’s agricultural prowess.
The minister appreciated TDAP’s pivotal role in promoting Pakistan’s exports and organizing the FoodAg exhibition, which brings together key stakeholders from around the world.
He emphasized that the event provides an invaluable platform for business-to-business meetings, seminars and direct interactions between government regulators and industry leaders. The exhibition, he said, will not only showcase Pakistan’s mature and reliable food supply chain, but also open doors for new partnerships and innovative solutions to further boost agricultural exports.
In conclusion, Minister Jam expressed confidence that FoodAg Pakistan 2024 will pave the way for new opportunities and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global agricultural market.
He assured the international visitors that their decision to explore sourcing opportunities in Pakistan was a good business choice given the country’s mature and competitive supply base.
The minister concluded by reiterating his commitment to a brighter and more prosperous future for Pakistan, driven by continued cooperation and innovation in the agricultural sector. FoodAg Pakistan 2024 will continue over the next three days, offering attendees a comprehensive view of Pakistan’s agricultural capabilities and potential for future growth and collaboration.
