Pakistan Rice Festival 2026 Held in The Hague
The Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague, with the support of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), organized the Pakistan Rice Festival 2026. The event brought together Dutch and European importers, retailers, food industry professionals, chefs, diplomats, media representatives, and business leaders to celebrate Pakistan’s renowned Basmati rice and explore new opportunities for agri-food trade and investment.
Theme and Highlights
Held under the theme “From the Fields of Pakistan to the Tables of Europe,” the festival showcased Pakistan’s rice heritage, export excellence, and role as a reliable supplier of premium agricultural products. The event featured a curated tasting of premium Pakistani Basmati varieties, including the celebrated Super Kernel Basmati, a trade briefing on Pakistan-Netherlands agri-food cooperation, and a presentation on the 4th FoodAg Exhibition 2026, scheduled for November 23–26, 2026, in Karachi.
Keynote Address by Ambassador
In his keynote address, Syed Haider Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to quality, sustainability, traceability, and compliance with international food safety standards. He noted that Pakistani Basmati rice is exported to more than 100 countries and is recognized for its distinctive aroma, long grain, and superior cooking characteristics.
Shah stated: “Pakistani Basmati is far more than a commodity; it is a Geographical Indication-certified product that embodies centuries of agricultural heritage, internationally recognized quality standards, and exceptional value. As European consumers increasingly seek authenticity, traceability, and sustainability, Pakistan stands ready to be a trusted long-term partner in meeting that demand. Today’s gathering is not merely a celebration of rice, it is an investment in stronger commercial partnerships between Pakistan and Europe.”
Invitation to FoodAg 2026
The ambassador also invited Dutch and European stakeholders to participate in FoodAg 2026, describing it as Pakistan’s premier platform for connecting international buyers with certified exporters, producers, processors, and innovators from the country’s agri-food value chain.
Interactive Activity and Broader Exports
The event featured an interactive “Score for Pakistan” activity, introducing participants to Pakistan’s world-class football manufacturing, used in major international competitions including FIFA tournaments. This highlighted Pakistan’s broader manufacturing capabilities beyond the agri-food sector.
Pakistan-Netherlands Economic Ties
The Netherlands is one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners in Europe and the second-largest export destination within the European Union. Bilateral trade reached approximately $1.94 billion, and more than fifty Dutch companies have established a presence in Pakistan.
