Over 50 Pakistani companies showcase food, agro products at Germany trade fair

The undated file photo shows stalls from food companies from across the globe at ANUGA trade fair. (ANUGA/ website)
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Updated 05 October 2025
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Over 50 Pakistani companies showcase food, agro products at Germany trade fair

  • The ANUGA 2025 trade fair has brought together 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries, according to the organizers
  • Pakistan Pavilion showcases rice, processed foods, pink salt, fruit juices and other value-added agro products

ISLAMABAD: More than 50 Pakistani companies are showcasing a diverse range of food and agro products at ANUGA 2025 trade fair in Germany, a Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) official said on Sunday, reflecting Pakistan’s growing potential in the global food market.

ANUGA 2025, touted as the world’s largest trade fair for food and beverage industry, is being held in Cologne from Oct. 4 till Oct. 8, bringing together around 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries.

The fair is expected to be attended by 140,000 visitors from nearly 200 nations and present an opportunity for manufacturers to market their products to regions around the globe.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has set up Pakistan Pavilion at the fair that is designed to highlight the country’s rich agricultural heritage, showcasing advancements in food processing and its adherence to global standards.

“The pavilion highlights Pakistan’s diverse offerings, including rice, processed foods, pink salt, fruit juices, and other value-added agro products,” Hina Tahir, a deputy director at TDAP, told Arab News.

Pakistan’s agro and food exports have shown growth in recent years, rising by 1.62 percent to $5.75 billion during the first nine months of FY 2024–25 (July–March), up from $5.66 billion a year earlier, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). In the 2023–24 financial year, the country achieved a historic milestone as agro exports reached $8 billion, marking a 37 percent increase over the previous year’s $5.8 billion.

ANUGA 2025 serves as an unparalleled platform for Pakistani exporters to engage in direct business matchmaking with international buyers, explore new market opportunities, and strengthen Pakistan’s footprint in the global food supply chain, according to the official.

Out of a total of 54 Pakistani firms, 34 companies are exhibiting products at Pakistan Pavilion, while the remaining are participating in the exhibition in their private capacity. Pakistani exhibitors are taking part in pre-arranged business matchmaking sessions with international buyers, attending sector-focused networking events, and pursuing partnership opportunities across Europe, the Middle East and other global markets.

“This integrated strategy seeks to draw foreign investment, foster bilateral trade partnerships, and position Pakistan as a competitive supplier and a growing hub for regional agro-business cooperation,” she said.

In addition to exhibiting export-ready products, Tahir said, the TDAP also plans to use the ANUGA 2025 platform to promote Pakistan’s International Food and Agriculture Exhibition (FoodAg) 2025, scheduled to be held in Karachi on Nov. 25-27.


Pakistan says $50 million meat export deal with Tajikistan nearing finalization

Updated 09 December 2025
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Pakistan says $50 million meat export deal with Tajikistan nearing finalization

  • Islamabad expects to finalize agreement soon after Dushanbe signals demand for 100,000 tons
  • Pakistan is seeking to expand agricultural trade beyond rice, citrus and mango exports

ISLAMABAD: Tajikistan has expressed interest in importing 100,000 tons of Pakistani meat worth more than $50 million, with both governments expected to finalize a supply agreement soon, Pakistan’s food security ministry said on Tuesday.

Pakistan is trying to grow agriculture-based exports as it seeks regional markets for livestock and food commodities, while Tajikistan, a landlocked Central Asian state, has been expanding food imports to support domestic demand. Pakistan currently exports rice, citrus and mangoes to Dushanbe, though volumes remain small compared to national production, according to official figures.

The development came during a meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ambassador of Tajikistan Yusuf Sharifzoda, where agricultural trade, livestock supply and food-security cooperation were discussed.

“Tajikistan intends to purchase 100,000 tons of meat from Pakistan, an import valued at over USD 50 million,” the ambassador said, according to the ministry’s statement, assuring full facilitation and that Islamabad was prepared to meet the demand.

The statement said the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in meat and livestock, fresh fruit, vegetables, staple crops, agricultural research, pest management and standards compliance. Pakistan also proposed strengthening coordination on phytosanitary rules and establishing pest-free production zones to support long-term exports.

Pakistan and Tajikistan have long maintained political ties but bilateral food trade remains below potential: Pakistan produces 1.8 million tons of mangoes annually but exported just 0.7 metric tons to Tajikistan in 2024, while rice exports amounted to only 240 metric tons in 2022 out of national output of 9.3 million tons. Pakistan imports mainly ginned cotton from Tajikistan.