The United Arab Emirates and Pakistan have announced a collaborative initiative to establish three date-processing plants across key agricultural regions of Pakistan, aiming to boost value-added production, enhance export quality, and support local farmers. The project, supported by UAE development agencies in coordination with Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, will focus on modernizing post-harvest infrastructure to reduce wastage and improve product competitiveness in international markets.
The facilities are expected to be built in major date-growing hubs, including Balochistan and Sindh, provinces that account for the majority of Pakistan’s date production. Equipped with advanced grading, dehydration, packaging, and preservation technology, the plants will enable growers to process premium-quality dates, meeting global hygiene and export standards. Pakistan ranks among the world’s top date producers, yet limited processing capacity has historically constrained its ability to move up the value chain and tap into lucrative Gulf, European, and East Asian markets.
The initiative is also seen as part of broader UAE-Pakistan cooperation in agricultural development and food security. Officials note that the project will generate local employment, encourage agri-entrepreneurship, and provide farmers with access to training on improved cultivation and post-harvest practices. Beyond domestic gains, the plants are expected to strengthen Pakistan’s role in the global date supply chain, while complementing the UAE’s strategy to secure diversified, sustainable food partnerships and invest in agro-industrial capacity within the region. Implementation work is set to begin soon, with both sides emphasizing continued support for long-term agricultural collaboration.
