The US is potential market for Pakistan to import high quality food products meeting its local requirements through enhanced bilateral trade ties and coordination among businessmen.
Speaking to a meet-up with a group of local businessmen held recently at a local hotel, David L Wolf, Senior Agricultural Attaché, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said that US can fulfill Pakistan’s demand of packaged food items and beverage with its several brands and variety of products.
He added that US food products are prepared in accordance with the demand of global markets therefore it will be suitable for all segment of society and different age groups.
Richard T Drennen, Agricultural Counselor USDA highlighted the current scenario of imports from USA in Food Sector, saying the US is one of the biggest supplies of food products and beverages to scores of countries. He delivered presentations regarding potentials and issues in imports of food and beverage in restaurant industry, distribution in retail and whole sale business, import of food and beverages in modern retailing and import of pulses in Pakistan. The event was attended by local tycoons of macro retail shops, prepared and fast food brands’ owners mainly representing McDonald, IBL, Naheed Super Market, and Bombi’s Group.
Razi Ahsan, General Secretary represented Pakistan Food Association. The meet-up is the part of ongoing efforts to disseminate knowledge and seek opportunities in bilateral trade in Food Sector between the two countries and to optimize the facilitation in imports. The businessmen deliberated on the prevailing issues of the trade between the two countries including absence of any treaty between the countries resulting in higher duty.
The businessmen discussed that trade between two countries is not viable in food sector as the orders are too limited to benefit them hence the quantity should be enhanced for bilateral interests. The imports of food items are not possible directly to Pakistan as there are issues of repacking and sourcing from UAE. Besides the proper warehouses are needed in Pakistan to keep food items at required temperature, they observed.
