Pakistan brings record number of companies to Gulfood 2026, eyes food exports

An undated file photo of Gulfood exhibition in Dubai. (Gulffood/ Website)
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Updated 30 January 2026
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Pakistan brings record number of companies to Gulfood 2026, eyes food exports

  • Pakistani exhibitors will present a diverse and high-quality portfolio of agro-based and value-added products
  • A Pakistan-UAE Business Conference will connect Pakistani exhibitors with international buyers at the exhibition

ISLAMABAD: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is set to mark a historic milestone at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai today, Monday, by leading the country’s largest-ever participation at the exhibition, showcasing agro-based and value-added products to push Pakistani food and beverage exports.

Since its inception in 1987, Gulfood has become a powerful trade forum and has been driving the global food and beverage industry forward. The event, running from Jan. 26 till Jan. 30 at Dubai World Trade Center, will bring together thousands of global exhibitors and industry stakeholders from over 130 countries.

This year, TDAP is facilitating an unprecedented 67 Pakistani companies across four specialized pavilions, covering Rice, Pulses and Grains; World Food; Beverages; and Meat and Poultry sectors. In addition, a significant number of Pakistani firms are participating independently, reinforcing the nation’s growing presence in the global marketplace.

“Pakistani exhibitors will present a diverse and high-quality portfolio of agro-based and value-added products, ranging from premium Basmati rice, cereals, and meat to honey, pink salt, and horticultural produce,” the Pakistani information ministry said.

“The showcase also includes processed and frozen foods, herbal products, spices, and dairy items.”

A major highlight of the five-day event is Pakistan Biryani Festival, where visitors can experience the distinct aroma and superior quality of Pakistani rice firsthand, according to the ministry.

The “Taste of the World — Gulfood 2026 (Pakistan)” initiative will feature live masterclasses using authentic Pakistani ingredients to spotlight the country’s rich culinary heritage and its expanding capabilities in the global Hotel, Restaurant and Café (HORECA) sector.

TDAP will actively contribute to the global dialogue on food security through a panel discussion, titled “Global Futuristic View and Smart Agri-Food Systems.”

“To further strengthen bilateral economic ties, TDAP and the Trade Section of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai will host a Pakistan-UAE Business Conference and a B2B Networking Dinner,” the ministry said.

“This gathering will connect Pakistani exhibitors with international buyers and distributors to enhance export potential.”


IMF mission begins talks in Islamabad as Pakistan seeks next program review

Updated 59 min ago
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IMF mission begins talks in Islamabad as Pakistan seeks next program review

  • Finance ministry confirms ‘kick-off meeting’ with visiting IMF delegation
  • Review critical for next tranche under $7 billion bailout program

KARACHI: Pakistan began formal talks with a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation on Monday as the country prepares for the next review of its $7 billion bailout program.

The IMF team is in Pakistan to conduct a review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved in September 2024, a multi-year program aimed at stabilizing the economy after a balance-of-payments crisis, high inflation and dwindling foreign exchange reserves.

Pakistan has so far received roughly $3 billion of the EFF. Successful completion of the latest review could pave the way for the release of the next tranche of funds, subject to IMF board approval.

Separately in 2024, Pakistan also secured about $1.3 billion under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility, a climate-focused funding window aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to manage environmental and disaster-related risks.

“Kick-off meeting with IMF Mission held today,” the finance ministry said on Monday as it shared visuals of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and senior officials meeting the delegation in Islamabad.

IMF country representative in Pakistan, Mahir Binici, told Arab News in an emailed statement; 

“An IMF mission led by Ms. Iva Petrova has started discussions with the authorities in Karachi and Islamabad on the third review of Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).”

The discussions are expected to focus on Pakistan’s fiscal performance, revenue collection targets, structural reform implementation and broader macroeconomic stability measures agreed under the program.

The review comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan’s economy, with rising global oil prices and regional instability adding pressure to inflation and external accounts. Analysts say continued IMF engagement remains crucial for maintaining investor confidence and securing external financing.

Pakistan entered the IMF program to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen public finances and rebuild foreign exchange reserves. Authorities have repeatedly described the reform agenda as necessary to ensure long-term economic resilience.

Further meetings between technical teams are expected over the coming days.