DUBAI: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday stressed the need for value addition and expansion of exports to achieve economic self-reliance, saying the government was prioritising export-led growth under the Uraan Pakistan initiative.
He was speaking during a visit to the Pakistan Pavilion at Gulfood 2026, where he interacted with Pakistani exporters from various food and agro-based sectors. The minister said the government was committed to promoting productivity, quality and innovation so that Pakistani products could compete effectively in international markets.
He told exhibitors that “Made in Pakistan” must become a global symbol of quality, with local products gaining visibility on shelves across the world. He encouraged exporters to focus on improving standards, increasing value-added offerings and strengthening branding to expand their international footprint.
The minister toured multiple stalls at the pavilion and expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s strong participation at the global food exhibition. He appreciated the efforts of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Pakistan’s mission in Dubai for organising what he described as a vibrant and well-represented pavilion.
Ahsan Iqbal said international exhibitions such as Gulfood provided crucial opportunities for market access, business partnerships and brand promotion, adding that a large number of Pakistani companies were showcasing their products at the event.
Highlighting the government’s broader economic direction, he said increasing exports was the foremost national priority under Uraan Pakistan to put the economy on a path of sustainable growth and reduce reliance on external borrowing. He remarked that permanent freedom from dependence on the IMF and foreign debt could only be achieved through sustained export growth.
The minister noted with encouragement that many Pakistani companies were shifting towards value-added products, which he said was essential for improving export earnings.
During the visit, he also stopped at the Biryani Festival stall set up by TDAP and appreciated the initiative to promote Pakistani basmati rice and national cuisine as part of soft branding and agri-export promotion.
TDAP Director General for the Agro Division Athar Hussain Khokhar and Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan briefed the minister on the pavilion’s arrangements and overall participation.
The event was also attended by Pakistan Business Council Dubai Chairman Shabbir Merchant, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Chairman Faisal Jehangir Malik and other members of the business community.
