Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to expand cooperation in the date sector. The partnership will focus on joint investment, technology transfer, and modern processing facilities. Officials said the move aims to increase value-added exports, improve farmer incomes, and strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural trade.
The agreement followed a virtual meeting between Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and UAE representative Ms. Simisola Nicola Abere. Federal Secretary Ameer Muhyuddin and senior officials from both countries also attended. During the meeting, both sides discussed challenges, opportunities, and the framework for a formal Memorandum of Understanding.
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Pakistan currently produces over 500,000 tonnes of dates annually, mainly from Sindh and Balochistan. Popular varieties include Aseel, Dhakki, Rabbi, Muzawati, and Begum Jangi. The country already exports over $50 million worth of dates to the UAE, UK, Germany, Türkiye, and Australia.
Officials highlighted key challenges such as limited value addition, post-harvest losses, and weak cold storage systems. The UAE pledged to establish three date processing plants in Pakistan. The collaboration also aims to transfer technology and improve export competitiveness.
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Rana Tanveer said the partnership will create jobs, improve rural livelihoods, and diversify markets. Both countries will coordinate through Secretary Ameer Muhyuddin’s office. Officials expect this initiative to mark a significant step in Pakistan-UAE agricultural trade and investment.