Over $10m in deals secured at Food Asia

Three-day fair draws global exhibitors, spot export potential, food security

KARACHI:

Over $10 million business deals have been recorded between foreign and local companies in various segments during the three-day trade fair, 17th edition of Plastic Packaging, Corrugated, and Food Asia International exhibition and conferences at Karachi Expo Centre, which concluded on Thursday.

The event was inaugurated by Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Ikramullah Dharejo. Various exhibiting companies from Vietnam, Thailand, Turkey, China, and Iran have received overwhelming responses from local delegates and visitors in the food and allied sectors, signing different business deals and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for strategic partnerships in the future.

The fair hosted a variety of conferences, covering topics such as food and nutrition, solutions for food security and sustainability in the context of crises in Palestine and Lebanon, and career opportunities in the hospitality industry. Over 225 exhibitors from seven countries participated.

Sheikh Muhammad Tehseen, President of Karachi Association of Sweets and Nimco and President Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industries (FBATI), highlighted the strong export potential for Pakistani food producers to bring their traditional products to international markets, earning foreign exchange for both themselves and the country.

He urged food producers to invest in advanced packaging solutions to increase the shelf life of edible products to begin export to different countries. The event served as the national platform for food producers and restaurants to upgrade their standards and enhance their penetration locally and globally.

Dr Khursheed Nizam, President of Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, said food security is an essential matter for every country and nation to achieve a self-sustainable level on a priority basis. He added that without technology and innovation, the advancement of the food and allied sectors would be unattainable.