PAKISTAN - STEADY PACE FOR SUCCESSFUL GROWTH
Pakistan is considered as one of the top ten Food and Beverages manufacturing countries in the world, attracting Foreign Direct Investment of US$ 593.83 million in the last two years.
Agriculture contributes 21% to the country's GDP and is the second largest source of foreign exchange earnings for the country. It employs 44% of the total work force and is the main source of livelihood for 66% of the country's population.
Wheat is a major contributor to the Pakistan 's food sector with a current production of 21.7 million tons. Rice also holds a strong position in the agriculture sector and its production increased by 2.3% to 5.6 million tons in 2007-08. Sugarcane, which is another major crop of Pakistan , recorded the highest production level of 63.9 million tons, registering a growth of 16.8% in the current year.
Products like dairy, fisheries, fruits and vegetables also play a vital role in the country's economy. Pakistan ranks as the 5th largest producer of milk in the world, producing 42.19 million liters per annum. The Fisheries sector registered a growth rate of 11% this year, with the export of fish and fishery products reaching over 100,000 tons.
The Beverage industry in Pakistan also posses tremendous potential and currently there are about 170 units operating in Pakistan that produce water, syrups and squashes.
MAJOR FOOD EXPORTS OF PAKISTAN
S.No.
|
COMMODITIES
|
2007-2008 VALUE
(US $)
|
1 |
Rice |
1210.9 |
2 |
Fish and Fish Preparations |
165.9 |
3 |
Fruits |
127.3 |
4 |
Spices |
21.5 |
5 |
Meat & Meat Preparations |
41.2 |
6 |
All other Food Items |
405.3 |
MAJOR
FOOD IMPORTS OF PAKISTAN
S.No. |
COMMODITIES |
2007-2008 VALUE
(US $
mn) |
1 |
Milk and Milk Food |
63.6 |
2 |
Wheat Unmilled |
818.6 |
3 |
Dry Fruits |
67.6 |
4 |
Tea |
167.4 |
5 |
Spices |
63.7 |
6 |
Edible Oil |
1309.2 |
7 |
Sugar |
13.3 |
8 |
Pulses |
151.8 |
