By Syed Mussarat Khalil

JEDDAH — Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto has said that bilateral trade relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have seen gradual increase over last few years which resulted in more economic activities between the two countries.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the Foodex 2019 Exhibition in Jeddah. He said that 15 Pakistani companies are participating in the Foodex exhibition which shows the increasing interest and opportunities for the Pakistani exporters in Saudi market. Last year nine Pakistani companies participated in the Foodex.

The Exhibition was inaugurated by Prince Fahd Bin Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

Shaiq told that the Pakistani companies, participating in the event are among the top exporters from Pakistan dealing in rice, spices, sauces, processed food, ready to cook pratha and tandoori items, beverages, bakery products and confectionaries.

The Pakistani companies’ representatives while talking to media told that the increasing demand of the food items in the kingdom, offer huge opportunity to Pakistani companies to increase their space in Saudi market and enhance market share by aggressive marketing. Since Pakistan is an agricultural country, and more than 70 percent of its exports are agro and textile based, it has enormous potential to increase its exports share by tapping halal food market of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia currently imports more that 80 percent of its total food and beverages requirement.

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan is participating in the 7th edition of Foodex Saudi Exhibition Jeddah organized by Pakistan’s Pavilion has been established in the Exhibition. Commercial Section of the Consulate is extending full cooperation to Pakistani companies for match-making of their products in Saudi Arabia and to tap enormous opportunities emerging out of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote bilateral trade and investment.

Mohsin Raza sales manager Hemani General Trading said Hemani Group established since 1949 has vast experience in the field of Herbal trade.

Wasif Hussain industrial Sales representative (CASSIDA) said within the Fuchs Group Fuchs Lubritech is expert for special Application Lubricants. A team of more than 500 specialists around the world work to meet your need.

Ms Nadia Parveen, sales and marketing manager of Eventage, was also present at Pakistani Pavilion. — SG