Lahore: On Wednesday, the Food and Agriculture Manufacturing Exhibition was inaugurated at Expo Center Lahore by Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, who was the chief guest of the event. On this occasion, Secretary TDAP Shehryar Taj, CEO TDAP Faiz Ahmed Chadhar, Vice President Federation of Chambers of Commerce Pakistan Athar Sultan Chawla, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mian Abuzar Shah, Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture Osama Khan Leghari and Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo were also present. Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani congratulated TDAP on the successful holding of the expo.
He stated that domestic and foreign companies have set up their stalls here, which will help in promoting agricultural production, marketing, and seed industry. The fact is that big companies from China, Korea, and the United States have set up stalls here which proves that these companies want to invest in the food and agriculture sectors in Punjab. The provincial minister expressed the Punjab government's firm commitment to the development of food processing and agricultural machinery. He further endorsed that on Wednesday, the government of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has completed one year of its term.
The number of landmarks set by the Punjab government in all departments in a period of one year were unprecedented in the past. Knowing the importance of the agriculture and livestock sector, the Punjab Chief Minister has launched many projects, the far-reaching results of which have started to emerge in the form of prosperity for farmers.
The Punjab Chief Minister has launched a Rs 400 billion Agriculture Transformation program. The implementation of the program has been ensured, 600,000 farmers are benefiting from interest-free loans worth Rs. 75 billion under the revolutionary Kissan Card program, the Green Tractor Program is the largest subsidy program of the Punjab government under which a subsidy of Rs. 1 million has been given to the farmers on the purchase of a tractor, recruitment of agricultural graduates for one year, conversion of electric and diesel tube wells to solar and mechanization are the grand projects of the Punjab government. Corporate financing will be promoted under the Green Pakistan Initiative.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is taking very positive steps to revive the economy of Punjab, under which service providers are was encouraged under public-private partnership. On Wednesday's exhibition has attracted a large and diverse audience of industry professionals, exhibitors, and stakeholders from Pakistan and around the world. The event, which will run from February 26 to 28, focuses on advances in food processing, packaging, ingredients, and supply chain solutions, which will help drive growth in the agriculture sector.
The first day witnessed a strong turnout, with participants exploring 150 stalls showcasing local and international exhibitors. Countries represented included South Korea, China, and members of the European Union, demonstrating global interest in Pakistan's growing food and agriculture sector. 'We are thrilled with the turnout and vibrant atmosphere on the first day of FoodAg Manufacturing,' said TDAP Chief Executive Mr. Faiz Ahmed. 'This event marks a significant step in our mission to promote value addition in agriculture and boost exports.
A strong international presence underscores the potential of the Pakistani market.' The day's programme included panel discussions and seminars discussing key industry topics. The sessions on 'Rebirth of Pakistan's Logistics Industry' and 'Innovation in the Packaging Industry and Halal Labeling for Agricultural Commodities' attracted considerable interest, highlighting the importance of these sectors in supporting agricultural development.
A well-attended seminar on 'Opportunities for Value Chain Olives in Pakistan' examined the potential of this expanding sector with insights from international experts. Exhibitors reported satisfaction with the level of engagement and networking opportunities, with many citing promising leads and potential partnerships with local and international businesses. The Korean and Chinese pavilions, showcasing the latest in agricultural processing machinery, were particularly popular.
The Food Ag Manufacturing Exhibition will continue tomorrow with more insightful seminars and panel discussions, including sessions on 'Unlocking the Future of Organic Horticulture and Agri Value Addition,' 'Value Addition: Success Stories,' and 'Promoting Agritech Business between Pakistan and Japan.' TDAP Chief Executive Faiz Ahmed reiterated the organization's focus on value addition in agriculture and its commitment to facilitating business partnerships. He expressed confidence in the success of the exhibition and its role in Pakistan's agricultural future.
The Food Ag Manufacturing Exhibition is a major event organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to showcase the latest developments in food processing, packaging, ingredients and supply chain solutions. The event aims to promote value addition in the agriculture sector, boost exports and facilitate business partnerships between local and international companies.