Pakistan has unveiled its biggest-ever participation at Gulfood 2026, deploying 142 companies across multiple food sectors as it seeks to strengthen export growth and deepen engagement with global agri-food value chains.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the 31st edition of Gulfood, described as the world's leading food and beverage trade exhibition. The event brings together more than 1.5m products showcased by 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, spanning 12 sectors of the global food and beverage industry.
This year, TDAP facilitated the participation of 67 Pakistani companies, while 75 firms joined independently. Collectively, they are exhibiting across four specialised pavilions covering rice, pulses and grains, world food, beverages, and meat and poultry.
Notably, 30 rice-sector companies are participating under TDAP's umbrella, signalling a strong focus on consolidating Pakistan's position in the international grain trade. The expanded footprint underscores Islamabad's strategy to diversify export destinations and reinforce economic diplomacy.
On the opening day, Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General of TDAP's Agro Division, along with Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, and the Trade Counsellor, toured the Pakistan Pavilion at Dubai Expo City and Dubai World Trade Centre.
The Consul General described the scale of participation as a reflection of Pakistan's commitment to export-led growth. Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan briefed officials on branding, pavilion design, media outreach, and forthcoming business-to-business meetings, including a networking event at the Pakistan Association Dubai.
Delegates visited individual stalls and engaged with exhibitors, many of whom expressed satisfaction with logistical arrangements and support from the Pakistan Mission in Dubai. Regional and international buyers showed interest in a broad portfolio of products, including rice, cereals, dairy goods, spices, processed foods, bakery items, meat, salt, juices and beverages.
Beyond the exhibition floor, Khokhar represented Pakistan at the Gulfood Future Food 500 Summit, speaking at the Al Mutaqua Ballroom. He outlined developments in smart agri-food systems, highlighted government initiatives aimed at attracting investment into the agro sector, and emphasised Pakistan's contribution to global food security, particularly as a supplier of rice to more than 100 countries.
The scale of engagement at Gulfood 2026 signals a determined push by Pakistan to reinforce its role in global food trade, even as competition intensifies across international markets.