Pakistan is working on a strategy to double the size of its exports of grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and canned food items from 500 million to one billion to UAE as there is huge potential for growth in the country. Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan, who inaugurated the Pakistani pavilion at Sial 2012, said the UAE was currently importing products worth around five billion, out of which 500 million were Pakistani exports that could be raised up to one billion easily by establishing the country's brands in the region.

"The UAE is the biggest market for Pakistani products in the region, as our rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned food items and spices are highly popular here." He said UAE was an important regional hub but Pakistani exporters had not benefited from opportunities available here.

Copyright Independent News Pakistan, 2012