Oct 4-6, 2024
The Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA), represented by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Rida Shibli, participated in the First International Pakistani Dates Festival, held in Karachi from October 4 to 6, 2024. This prestigious event was organized by the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, in collaboration with several agricultural institutions in Pakistan.
The festival celebrated the rich agricultural heritage of Pakistan, with a special focus on the date palm sector, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy and cultural traditions. It provided a platform for date producers, traders, researchers, and industry experts to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and explore new market opportunities for dates on both regional and international levels.
Dr. Rida Shibli, representing AARINENA, highlighted the importance of fostering regional cooperation in the agricultural sector, particularly in promoting sustainable date palm cultivation and improving market access for farmers. He also commended the Khalifa International Award for its role in organizing this event, which strengthens ties between agricultural research institutions and farmers in the Near East, North Africa, and South Asia.
The festival featured a range of activities, including:
- Exhibitions of high-quality dates and date products from various regions in Pakistan and other countries.
- Workshops and panel discussions focusing on innovations in date palm cultivation, sustainability practices, and export strategies.
- Opportunities for participants to explore partnerships and investment in the date palm industry.
AARINENA’s participation in this event underscores its commitment to supporting agricultural development and innovation across the region.
The association looks forward to continued collaboration with partners in Pakistan and the wider agricultural community to enhance the production and global trade of dates.