Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural sector, pledging unwavering support to exporters and producers to help them maximize their contributions to the country’s economy. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Food and Agriculture Expo-2024 (FoodAg24) held at the Expo Centre, PM Shahbaz Sharif emphasized the critical role of the agricultural sector in driving Pakistan’s economic growth.
During the event, the Prime Minister, along with other dignitaries, performed the digital inauguration of FoodAg24, marking the start of the highly anticipated expo. The event is set to play a pivotal role in showcasing Pakistan’s agricultural potential and fostering international collaborations.
In his address, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif lauded the remarkable achievements of Pakistan’s agricultural sector over the past year, particularly the impressive export of rice and other agricultural products. He expressed his appreciation for the ministers, administrative secretaries, and all stakeholders who contributed to these successes. However, the Prime Minister was quick to note that these accomplishments, while commendable, are just the beginning. He urged all stakeholders to tap into Pakistan’s vast agricultural potential and work together to achieve even greater results.
“We have enormous potential, and now is the time to harness it fully,” PM Shahbaz Sharif stated, highlighting the importance of collective effort in elevating Pakistan’s agricultural sector to new heights. He emphasized the need for value addition in agricultural produce, which could significantly enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani products in the global market.
To achieve this, the Prime Minister called for the adoption of the latest technologies and increased investment in research and development. He stressed the importance of comprehensive planning and effective implementation of policies to meet the sector’s targets. According to PM Shahbaz Sharif, these steps are essential for the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector and for ensuring that Pakistan can compete effectively on the global stage.
Reflecting on the initiatives undertaken by the current government since taking office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned several key projects aimed at bolstering the agriculture sector. One such initiative is the solarization of 28,000 tube wells in Balochistan, a project designed to provide farmers with access to affordable electricity. This project not only reduces the operational costs for farmers but also aligns with the government’s broader commitment to promoting renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif revealed that Pakistan would be sending 1,000 agricultural graduates to China for higher education and training in agriculture and the food sector. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and growth in the agricultural sector. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that with collective effort and dedication, Pakistan could achieve remarkable progress in agriculture, stating, “Nothing is impossible if we all put our best efforts.”
The agricultural sector, PM Shahbaz Sharif took a moment to congratulate Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem on his recent success at the Paris Olympics 2024. Nadeem’s gold medal in javelin throw, which also set a new Olympic record, was hailed by the Prime Minister as a victory for the entire nation. “This is a moment of pride for Pakistan, and we should all celebrate this incredible achievement,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of Nadeem’s accomplishment on the global stage.
The FoodAg24 event also served as a platform for recognizing the contributions of top performers in the agricultural sector. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, alongside other dignitaries, presented awards to the top three exporters in the rice, fruit, vegetable, and meat sectors. These awards were a testament to the hard work and dedication of these exporters, who have played a crucial role in boosting Pakistan’s agricultural exports.
Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal also addressed the audience, praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s unwavering support for the agriculture sector. He described the Prime Minister’s commitment as exemplary and highly encouraging for the entire agricultural community. Minister Kamal highlighted the maturity of Pakistan’s food sector, noting that the past year had been particularly successful for food and agriculture, with achievements that reflect the effectiveness of the government’s policies.
Minister Kamal also commended the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for organizing the FoodAg24 Expo. The event, which is expected to attract around 300 companies and 600 delegates, is poised to be a significant milestone in promoting Pakistan’s agricultural products to a global audience. He emphasized the importance of such events in facilitating trade and fostering international partnerships that can further enhance Pakistan’s agricultural exports.
In his remarks, Zubair Motiwala, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TDAP, highlighted the diverse range of agricultural products that Pakistan exports to markets around the world. He mentioned that Pakistan currently exports around 29 different types of fruits globally, underscoring the country’s potential in the agricultural sector. Motiwala also shared that TDAP is actively organizing seminars and workshops aimed at further increasing exports and enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products.
Looking ahead, Motiwala announced that TDAP’s next major exhibition would be held in Lahore in December of this year. This event is expected to build on the momentum generated by FoodAg24, providing another valuable opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its agricultural potential to international buyers and investors.
The FoodAg24 Expo, with its focus on innovation, technology adoption, and international collaboration, is set to play a crucial role in driving the future growth of Pakistan’s agricultural sector. As the event unfolds, it is expected to generate new opportunities for exporters, producers, and investors, helping to unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s agriculture and food industries.
