ISLAMABAD: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the US-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development, has facilitated the participation of a Pakistani delegation of agricultural producers and exporters in Gulfood Expo 2017. This annual event is being held in Dubai from February 26 to March 2, 2017. Participation by the 15-member delegation is part of a broader effort by USAID to expand market opportunities for Pakistan’s agricultural products. USAID is further supporting Pakistani exporters and processors by setting up a business-to-business trade facilitation centre in addition to Pakistan’s booth space.The centre is being used by delegates from Pakistan for meetings and industry networking. As part of the support provided by USAID to advance new market access, the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai has also hosted the 3rd annual Pakistan tasting dinner in Dubai for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)business community and potential buyers. The guests sampled high qualityPakistani halal meat, fresh high-value vegetables, and kinnow mandarins from Pakistan at the dinner. “We believe that Pakistan’s participation at Gulfood 2017 will have a significant impact on the promotion of Pakistani high-value, off-season vegetables, quality halal meat, and kinnows,”said Dr Nasir Khan, Commercial Counsellor at the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai. “The Expo will provide the Pakistani exporters and processorsan opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce and access new international markets,” he added.