Eleven Pakistani food and beverage companies are participating in SIAL Shanghai 2025, Asia’s premier food exhibition, held from May 19 to 21. The event, spanning 200,000 square meters, features 5,000 exhibitors from 75 countries, showcasing 350,000 food products. Pakistan’s participation is organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai.
The Pakistani companies are presenting 20 product categories, including rice, sesame seeds, corn, dry fruits, pasta, fruit concentrates, and halal-certified dairy items.
Shehzad Ahmad Khan, Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai, highlighted the country’s growing role in the global food industry. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, food exports reached $3.959 billion in the first half of FY2024-25 (July–December 2024), marking a 13.83% year-on-year increase. He noted that the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) has facilitated increased exports to China, particularly in rice, seafood, sesame seeds, boiled beef, spices, dry fruits, and processed foods. Chinese investments in Pakistan’s food processing and agricultural technology sectors are also rising, focusing on modernizing production, packaging, and halal certification to meet China’s demand.
At the Pakistan Pavilion, Usman Akram of Pure Foods Ltd. reported strong interest in the company’s tropical fruit-based products. “We’ve received preliminary orders for our mango nectars,” Akram said, noting Chinese buyers’ preference for preservative-free concentrates. Abdullah Shahid from Tooba Rice Mills, a first-time exhibitor but long-time rice exporter to China, expressed optimism about expanding market reach. “This expo has introduced us to new buyers interested in both basmati and non-basmati varieties, as well as sesame seeds,” Shahid said. “We’re holding meetings with existing and potential clients to strengthen our presence in the coming days.”