The Pakistan's dairy and agriculture products and investment opportunities Forum was held in Dubai lately, where Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd., a pioneering producer of dairy products and juices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the largest juice manufacturer in the Middle East has participated and was one of the sponsors of this forum as part of initiatives to strengthen its presence among Pakistan market players, this forum has introduced an audience of largely GCC-based corporate houses, financial institutions, fund managers, investors, relevant multinationals, local businesses and high-net individuals.
Mr. Monther Al Harthi, General Manager of Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd., has submitted a strategic plan discussing many issues that concerns the dairy industry in the Saudi Arabia kingdom and their achievements in the last 30 years, this strategic plan include the development of dairy industry in the Saudi Arabia kingdom, the individual’s consumption of dairy and its products, sources and amounts of dairy products locally and externally in addition to the customers expectations from these products and the role of the government monitoring parties in the dairy industry.
“Gulf has long been an important business partner of Pakistan, importing up to 90 per cent of the country's dairy and agricultural produce. Al Rabie seeks always to expand in all potential markets, including Pakistan, which offers one of the best economic potential. Pakistan and the GCC have a healthy relationship in terms of investments in financial services, telecom and real estate, but the agricultural and dairy sector remains one of the strongest investment areas for the two regions,” said Al Harthi
While the Al Rabie brand already enjoys a stronghold in the Saudi market, the company has embarked in new investment avenues, particularly Pakistan's agricultural sector, which according to recent statistics achieved a 4.6 per cent growth in the last couple of years ahead of China, India and Malaysia. Pakistan has also been recognised as the world’s largest producer of various orange varieties, and is the fifth largest producer of milk as it currently has the third largest concentration of milk-producing animals.
Pakistan also ranks within the top five of the world's biggest producers of mangoes and dates. Additionally, the country has high economic potential in cultivating crops like cotton, rice and sugar, which all directly and indirectly account for up to 70 per cent of total national exports.
“Our sponsorship of this forum and our ongoing investment activities across the Middle East and in Pakistan are part of Al Rabie's plans to expand in both local and export markets. Our extensive experience in the industry combined with comprehensive market analysis will help us devise strategies for a broad and efficient marketing program and allow us to create high-value investments in the region and across the world,” concluded Al Harthi.
