The Fine Food Australia trade fair kicked off last week with more than 1000 exhibitors from 60 countries showcasing their food, products, machinery, and equipment in a four-day exhibition held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne.
Eight exhibitors from Pakistan participated displayed more than 35 products in the subsection called: Emerging Pakistan.
Food items such as nimco, ghee, sweets, bakery items, rice, herbal products, dates including some of the country’s traditional foods, beverages, spices, and grains represented the Pakistani range of products.
Victoria's Shadow Minister of Trade, Craig Ondarchie, was also present at the event.
Source: Waqar Ali
Speaking to SBS Urdu, the minister said, “Emerging Pakistan is a great initiative of the Ministry of Commerce in bringing the friendship of Pakistan to a world platform.
“It is an opportunity to do business together, and we would like to see more trade and investment between Victoria and Pakistan in the future," he added.
The initiative of Emerging Pakistan was launched in November 2017 to build a positive image of the nation and promote its culture globally.
Consul General of Pakistan and Trade Commissioner, Abdul Majd Yousfani, said that "Pakistan is an emerging economy and initiatives like Emerging Pakistan give Pakistani businesses a platform to showcase their products to the world.
One of the exhibitors from Pakistan is Osama Qureshi and is all set to introduce Rooh Afza, the oldest Pakistani trademark herbal drink made from rose petals, into the Australian ethnic food market for the first time.
Source: Waqar Ali
He said he believes this product is long awaited by the Pakistani community in Australia.
For another exhibitor at the event, Mohammed Jamil Ahmed, the event is a great platform to meet potential clients.
“As there is a large South Asian community in Australia, we are looking to grow our industry among them and we aim to expand to the local Australian markets as well," he said.
Most of the exhibitors from Pakistan are taking part in the event for the first time; the exhibitors say they are all hopeful of a positive outcome and look forward to coming back next year to participate again.
