In a promising step toward strengthening agricultural and trade ties, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared plans to set up three state-of-the-art date processing plants in Pakistan.
The initiative comes under a new bilateral cooperation agreement between the two countries, which will soon be formalized via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The development was shared following a virtual meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and UAE officials led by Ms. Simisola Nicola Abere.
Both sides discussed expanding agricultural collaboration, with a special focus on Pakistan’s growing date industry — one of the most valuable export sectors of the country.
As per the plan, the date processing facilities will be established in Sindh and Balochistan, two provinces known for their large-scale date cultivation and diverse varieties.
Once the MoU is signed, implementation will be fast-tracked, with the Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security tasked to make certain close coordination between both governments.
Boost to Exports and Farmers
Pakistan is now considered one of the world’s top producers of dates, yielding over 500,000 tonnes annually across more than 100,000 hectares of farmland. The country already exports dates worth over $50 million each year, with the major markets including the
- UAE
- the United Kingdom
- Germany
- Australia
- Türkiye
The establishment of modern processing plants is expected to significantly increase the export value of Pakistani dates by improving quality, packaging, and preservation standards to meet international market demands. It is going to produce new employment opportunities and support local farmers by making certain fair prices for their produce.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Ms. Abere restated the strong commitment and dedication of UAE to accelerating the operational phase of the project, calling it a “symbol of friendship and shared prosperity” between the two nations.
Beyond trade, the initiative is strongly manifesting a step forward in food security cooperation and sustainable agricultural development.
Dates, one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world, are not only a staple in Middle Eastern diets but also celebrated for their nutritional value—rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals.
With this partnership, Pakistan’s date industry is poised to climb new heights, which is proven to be beneficial both local communities and the country’s growing export economy.