Agriculture Anchors Pakistan’s Exports to UAE with Rising Food Demand, Says Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan
Pakistan’s agricultural sector is playing a pivotal role in
driving its export growth to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), responding to the
Gulf nation’s surging demand for food products. Recent trade figures reveal a
robust increase in Pakistan’s exports, with agriculture-based items such as
rice, meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products leading the charge. This
growth reflects not only Pakistan’s expanding capacity in agro-based industries
but also the UAE’s strategic imperative to enhance food security amid shifting
global supply dynamics.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has witnessed
significant momentum in recent years. According to Pakistan’s Trade and
Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan, exports from Pakistan to the UAE climbed
approximately 10% from US$1.59 billion in fiscal year 2023-24 to an estimated
US$1.75 billion in 2024-25. This increase is largely attributed to key
agricultural commodities where Pakistan has a competitive advantage.
“Agriculture continues to anchor Pakistan’s exports,
with rice, meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in high demand across
the UAE,”
Khan explained in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.
The UAE, under its national vision for heightened
food security, has intensified efforts to diversify its import sources.
Pakistan’s agricultural exports complement this strategy by offering a
consistent supply of staple crops and perishables. Products like basmati rice
and quality meat cuts have found favor among UAE consumers and traders, further
cementing Pakistan’s position as a reliable supplier in a volatile global
market.
Agricultural trade between the countries is not just about
volumes but also about enhancing the profile of Pakistani produce in the UAE
market. Festival-themed events, such as Mango and Date Palm exhibitions, have
considerably boosted the visibility and appeal of Pakistani food
products.
“Product-specific festivals like Mango and Date Palm
events have given Pakistani produce a strong profile here,”
Khan noted, highlighting the role of cultural and
promotional initiatives in strengthening trade ties.
The rising bilateral trade encapsulates a wider regional
economic interdependence. While Pakistan’s textile and manufactured goods
continue to contribute, the standout growth in food exports underscores the
fundamental role of the agro-sector. The diversity of products shipped—from
cereals and edible fruits to processed dairy items—reflects Pakistan’s strides
in modernizing agricultural supply chains and meeting international quality
standards.
Amid economic pressures such as inflation and energy costs,
Pakistan’s agriculture has demonstrated resilience. The revenue driven from
exports to the UAE provides crucial foreign exchange for Pakistan’s economy.
Moreover, the relationship serves as a platform for potential investment in
agro-business opportunities, with Pakistan eager to attract UAE capital into
food processing and cold chain infrastructure.
The growing importance of Pakistan’s agro-food exports is
further evidenced by the composition of the export basket. Data from the United
Nations COMTRADE database show that in 2024, these exports included mineral
fuels ($233 million), meat and edible meat offal ($198 million), cereals ($177
million), edible vegetables ($87 million), and fruits ($different figures).
These figures indicate not only the volume but the increasing sophistication of
Pakistan’s export profile.
Despite challenges such as fluctuating global commodity
prices and occasional logistical disruptions, Pakistani exporters are
optimistic about sustaining and expanding their footprint in the UAE
market.
“With food security high on the UAE’s agenda, Pakistan
sees further scope for agro-based trade and investment,”
Khan said, underscoring confidence in future growth.
From the UAE’s perspective, the partnership is equally
vital. The Emirate’s reliance on imported food has grown in tandem with its
population and economic diversification strategies. For UAE officials and
importers, Pakistan’s offerings provide both cost-effectiveness and quality assurance.
This synergy has encouraged more formal agreements and cooperation on
standards, certification, and trade facilitation.
The trade counsellor’s remarks suggest that Pakistan is also
keen to explore technology-driven solutions for agriculture, including
enhancing cold storage and logistics, which could alleviate some of the supply
chain bottlenecks. Additionally, increasing urbanization and modern retail
formats in the UAE present new opportunities for Pakistani exporters to access
wider consumer segments beyond traditional wholesale markets.
However, experts caution that the competitive landscape is
dynamic. Pakistan competes with other regional suppliers and global exporters
alike, which incentivizes continuous improvement in product quality and
compliance with evolving food safety regulations. Collaboration between public
and private sectors in Pakistan will be critical to maintaining momentum and
responding to market signals.
Further investments in research and development within
Pakistan’s agriculture can also catalyze innovations in crop yields and pest
management, which will be essential to meet growing demand sustainably.
Exporters emphasize that leveraging international certifications and adopting
stringent quality checks remain priorities to ensure a premium market position.
The UAE’s investments in infrastructure, including free
trade zones and specialized ports, also facilitate efficient handling of
perishable goods, laying a foundation for longer-term trade growth. Pakistan’s
ability to adapt to these logistical advantages will define the trajectory of
agricultural trade expansion.
In sum, agriculture remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s
exports to the UAE, driven by rising demand for food items and strengthened by
concerted trade promotion efforts. As both countries deepen their economic
integration, the food and agriculture sector exemplifies a mutually beneficial
partnership responding to strategic imperatives of growth and food security.
