ISLAMABAD: The export of Pakistani food items is safely projected to cross the $7 billion mark by the end of fiscal year 2023-24, reflecting a sharp contrast of about $4 billion annual exports in this sector previously, the Chief Executive of Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Pakistan Pavilion at the ongoing Gulf Food Exhibition at the Dubai Trade Centre, Mr Motiwala said TDAP has focused on enhancing export of Pakistani food and food items which is paying dividends in the form of substantial increase in the country’s exports in this sector.

He said that enhancing exports of Pakistani products was the way forward to achieve economic prosperity and TDAP is contributing substantially towards this national objective.

A total of 100 Pakistani exhibitors are taking part in the ongoing Gulf Food festival of which 45 are sponsored by TDAP while others are participating on a self-sponsorship basis.

“It is extremely encouraging to share that there is remarkable increase of 300 to 400 per cent in the exports of sesame seeds this year. Exports of Pakistani rice will cross $3 billion in comparison to about $1.5 billion previously,” Mr Motiwala said.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2024