Event Speakers

Opening Session

Mr. Ali Rathore, Chief Executive Officer, Engro Fertilizers

Ali Rathore is the Chief Executive Officer of Engro Fertilizers. After joining Engro Corporation in 2022, he was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of Engro Fertilizers in September 2023, based on his strong strategic and business acumen.
Ali has over 26 years of international experience spanning across the USA, UK, Australia, and MENA region, working in Financial Planning & Analysis, Business Development, Operations and M&A. Ali is a seasoned executive with a diverse background across multiple industries, including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, and Manufacturing.
Renowned for his strategic vision and marketing acumen, Ali has been a driving force behind numerous groundbreaking projects, providing invaluable support to rapidly growing industries and championing talent development along the way.
Ali is known for his interactive and inclusive leadership style, fostering strong relationships across the organization to drive positive change. A graduate of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Ali is also a fellow Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
With a track record of driving business optimization through innovation and stakeholder management, Ali is poised to lead Engro Fertilizers towards continued success.

Ms. Salma Butt, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab on Commodities Management

Salma Butt, a two-time elected Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Punjab and an emerging leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), currently serves as the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Price Control and Commodities Management. She is a youth development expert by specialization. In a professional capacity, she was instrumental in coordination to formulate the Punjab Youth Policy and has directly trained youth from 52 public/private universities of Pakistan.

Session: 3 Investing in Agriculture for Growth at Scale

Mr. Matteo Iagatti, Senior Agro-economist,
FGM International

Matteo Iagatti a Senior Agro-economist at FGM International, brings a wealth of expertise in agricultural economics and rural development. With a PhD in Agricultural Politics and advanced degrees in Rural Development Economics and Agricultural Engineering, Matteo has led significant projects across the globe. His notable work includes developing corn and soya production in the Philippines, conducting feasibility studies for integrated agricultural projects in Mauritania, and designing sustainable pistachio production in France. Matteo has also contributed to the IFC project on corporate and contract farming in Pakistan. His extensive experience spans supply chain analysis, financial modeling, and business planning, making him a key figure in advancing large-scale agricultural initiatives and enhancing food security.

Mr. Bilal Sidiki, CEO, Terra Crop

Bilal Sidiki is the CEO of TERRA CROP INNOVATIONS PVT LTD, Pakistan, since April 2024. He launched the first agriculture-focused private equity fund, Alfalah Agri Fund 1, and is working on sustainable forest and farm development in Cholistan, high-efficiency irrigation systems, and smart technology for water savings. He is also introducing a co-op model for hay farmers in Pakistan. Previously, Bilal was the CEO of AGRI GENIX PRIVATE LTD, Pakistan, from March 2020, where he built a sustainable farm and introduced modern farming techniques and a co-op structure. He also served as Director of Finance at Orizen/Avon International PTE LTD, Singapore, overseeing significant revenue growth in agri-commodity trading. Bilal has held senior roles at Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore and Pakistan, including Director of Sales, Structured Commercial Banking, and Senior Risk Manager. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Ms. Maria Saleem, Head of Agri Initiatives, Fatima Group

Maria Saleem a mother of three, is a seasoned business professional with over 20 years of experience in the Agriculture and Oil & Gas sectors. She has a proven track record of leading cross-functional collaborations and partnerships to advocate for sustainable choices in seeds, crop protection, and nutrition, working with farmers and stakeholders while driving business success. Currently, she is the General Manager at Fatima Group, leading the Corporate Agri Farming Business under the Green Pakistan Initiative. Her role involves establishing investments and partnerships across the value chain in select crops to address food security challenges and improve agricultural exports through sustainable practices. Previously, she served as the Business Director at Corteva Agriscience, where she led organizational restructuring and optimization for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. She also headed Bayer Crop Science as the Country Commercial Lead, achieving consistent double-digit growth in key segments. Breaking barriers in gender inclusion, Maria is a trailblazer in agribusiness management, a field where female representation is notably scarce despite their significant presence in actual farming. Her extensive experience spans Southeast Asia and Pakistan, covering roles in Sales, Operations, and Marketing.

Mr. Ulugbek Rahimov, ESG Manager, Indorama Agro LLC

Ulugbek Rahimov, currently the ESG Manager at Indorama Agro LLC, is an expert in implementing Environmental, Social, and Sustainability Governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with international standards like ISO, BCI, and regenerative agriculture in mega farming projects. Previously, he worked on the IFC-Indorama cotton project in Uzbekistan, where he led the implementation of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and managed the monitoring and evaluation for the Uzbek cotton project. In this project, he successfully managed both direct corporate farming and contract farming with more than 1000 farmers to develop a sustainable supply chain for Indorama. His extensive experience in mega farming projects highlights his ability to align initiatives with sustainability objectives, foster stakeholder collaboration, and uphold rigorous environmental and social standards.

Mr. John McGillicuddy, Agri-Commodity Consultant, IFC

John McGillicuddy, an independent agronomist and principal partner of MC Agronomics, L.L.C and IFARMIS.com, brings over 46 years of expertise in hybrid and fertility research, field agronomy, and precision farming technology. His extensive experience includes developing risk management techniques for crop production and price mitigation, which are crucial for farming at scale. John has provided technical support to various seed companies and has been a key figure in agronomic research, combining sound agronomics with futures and options to manage production risks. His global experience spans projects with the International Finance Corporation in countries like Ukraine, Serbia, and Pakistan, and advisory roles in Canada, Mexico, and Ireland. As a keynote speaker at numerous agronomic conferences and a principal instructor for educational programs, John’s insights and innovations in precision farming and risk management make him a significant contributor to discussions on scaling farming operations.

Mr. Muddassir Shafique, Agriculture Lead Upstream,
MCT Region, IFC

Muddassir Shafique is currently serving as the Sector Lead for Agribusiness Upstream in the MCT region (Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkey). With a career spanning over 17 years at ENGRO, he has amassed extensive experience in supply chain management, corporate finance, and business development. In 2018, Mr. Shafique joined the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank. At IFC, he has led various agricultural projects in collaboration with prominent companies such as Nestle, Coca-Cola, Friesland Campina, Omaid Bahar, and Indorama across Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. His current focus is on identifying and developing new projects related to food security, secondary agro-processing, carbon credits, and modern storage infrastructure in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Pakistan, and Central Asia.

Ms. Ashraf Bouajina, Operations Officer - Agribusiness for MCT region, IFC

Ashraf Bouajina is currently serving as an Operations Officer with the IFC Agribusiness and Forestry team. After working at the World Bank for 6 years, supporting institutional and legal frameworks facilitate private sector investment for development as well as PPPs, Ashraf Bouajina joined IFC in June 2020 in the Global MAS Upstream team. In this role, she has developed programs of opportunities across Health and Education, and Agribusiness. In Agribusiness, she has developed and supported the design and implementation of innovative global delivery platforms in insect protein, aquaculture, agrivoltaics, and grain storage and logistics. Currently focusing on the middle east and central Asia region, Ashraf is developing several agribusiness opportunities across the region, including in Pakistan.

Session: 4 - How Pakistan Can Develop a National Agri-Commodity Market

Mr. Agha Jan Akhtar, Progressive Farmer and
Ex-Secretary Agriculture Sindh

Agha Jan Akhtar is a seasoned expert in trade, investment facilitation, and economic development, specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects. With over three decades of leadership in the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Agha Jan has held several key positions, including Chairman of Port Qasim Authority, transforming it into one of Pakistan’s most economically viable ports. His expertise in strategic management, investment facilitation, and project coordination makes him an ideal consultant for Sindh's economic gateway projects, with a proven record of success in public-private partnerships and large-scale infrastructure investments.

Mr. Abdul Rehman Warraich, SECP Commissioner
(Securities Market Division)

Mr. Abdul Rehman Warraich is a financial services professional with more than 27 years of experience including 10 years in civil service; 9 years in asset management; 5 years in public debt management; and 3 years in financial consulting & advisory services.
He has a diverse work experience in both public and private sectors. In civil service, he served the Federal Board of Revenue as Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax. In asset management, he worked for NBP Fund Management Limited, Punjab Pension Fund and UBL Fund Managers Limited in various roles including Financial Analyst, Fund Manager, Head of Research, Head of Investment and Chief Investment Officer an in public debt management, he served Government of Punjab as Debt Management Specialist and Government of Pakistan as Director General (Debt).

Session 7: Seeds for Growth and Resilience

Mr. Charles Schneider, Program Manager, IFC Pakistan

Mr. Charles has been working in Pakistan since 2022 and has been involved in the IFC Pakistan program since 2018. He is currently leading an IFC advisory project on strengthening the agriculture sector in Pakistan through the development of commodities trading, strengthening the electronic warehouse receipts system and supporting increased private sector investment in the seed sector. Charles also focuses in Pakistan on issues related to Investment Policy, housing and Circular Economy, where he recently led an IFC study focused on identifying investment opportunities and regulatory issues in circular economy space. Charles also leads IFC’s advisory work in Afghanistan.
Before moving to Pakistan, Charles led the development and implementation of IFC advisory programs in Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

Mr. Muhammad Shoaib, CropLife Pakistan

Mr. Muhammad Shoaib is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in global agricultural companies, specializing in technology development, regulatory affairs, and crop procurement. He currently leads the Seeds and Trait Regulatory Department at Syngenta Pakistan Limited and serves as the Syngenta APAC Coordinator for Plant Variety Registration and Protection.
He represents CropLife Pakistan and leads its Biotech and Seeds Committee. His expertise spans regulatory processes for R&D, commercial seed movement, and the evaluation of GM crops, having played pivotal roles at Syngenta Pakistan Limited, Monsanto Pakistan, and Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC).

Dr. Asif Ali , Chairman, National Seed Dev't and Regulatory Authority

Prof Asif Ali (T.I.), VC, MNS University of Agriculture Multan has a dedicated career in higher education and is an outstanding scientist in the field of agriculture. He has significantly contributed to the development of human resource, knowledge, and technologies by mobilizing resources through academia-industry linkages & international collaborations. His accomplishments have been acknowledged by the HEC as Best Teacher Award and by the GoP by conferring Civil Award (Tamgha e Imtiaz).

Mr. Nadeem Shah, Progressive Farmer

Mr. Nadeem Shah is a distinguished agricultural expert and progressive grower from Pakistan, with over 46 years of experience in farming. Managing a 1,200-acre family farm, he has been a pioneer in modern agricultural techniques, including drip irrigation, organic farming, and tissue culture. He holds key positions in several government bodies- such as Vice President of the Abadgar Board of Sindh, and is actively involved in social work- particularly in healthcare services in rural Sindh. Recognized for his contributions, he has received national awards for wheat and cotton yields and continues to advocate for innovation in agriculture through hydroponics, AI integration, and rural empowerment initiatives.

Mr. Arif Nadeem, Vice Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Coalition

Mr. Arif Nadeem is the Vice Chairman of Pakistan Agricultural Coalition (PAC). He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PAC, where he played a key role in advocating policy reforms, modernizing agricultural markets, and promoting financial inclusion for farmers through initiatives like warehouse receipt financing. Mr. Arif Nadeem has an extensive background in public service, particularly in the agricultural sector of Punjab, Pakistan. He served as the Secretary of Agriculture for the Government of Punjab during two separate terms. Beyond his role in the Agriculture Department, Mr. Arif Nadeem also served as Secretary in the Irrigation and Health departments of the Government of Punjab. His diverse experience in these key sectors has contributed to his comprehensive understanding of public policy and administration.

Session 8: The Policy Framework for Agriculture

Mr. Olivier Durand , Lead Agricultural Specialist, The World Bank

Olivier Durand is a Lead Agriculture Specialist at the World Bank and has been based in the Islamabad Country Office since September 2022, after previous field assignments in Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Malawi and Mali. He holds degrees in agriculture engineering and agricultural economics and joined the World Bank 2002 after direct project implementation experience in Namibia and Haiti. He has extensive global and operational experience, having prepared and supervised operations across a broad spectrum of areas in the food and agriculture space, including: supporting research and extension for agricultural modernization, agri-food value chain development, farmers organization and access to markets, community driven development, small- and large-scale irrigation and rural infrastructure. He has been leading the Bank’s in-country agri-food policy dialogue in various countries across a similarly broad range of issues, including food security, public expenditure, cotton and wheat sector reforms, child and forced labor in agriculture, input subsidies, rural finance, and land governance.

Dr. Zeelaf Munir, CEO, English Biscuit Manufacturers

Dr. Zeelaf Munir has been the Managing Director and CEO of English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) since 2015. She is a prominent leader in Pakistan’s business community, contributing to national strategic planning and economic development. She is a member of the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), spearheading private sector policy advocacy. She is also an Emeritus Council Member of the Pakistan Advertisers Society (PAS), Board of Governors (BOG), National Management Foundation, LUMS, and a Board Member of the iCare Foundation and Habib University Foundation. Internationally, she has served as President of the Association of Pakistani Physicians in North America (APPNA), the most prominent Pakistani diaspora organization outside Pakistan.
Under her leadership, EBM has become Pakistan’s largest FMCG and leading biscuit and cake manufacturer, achieving exponential growth and numerous accolades. EBM has been recognized as “Employer of the Year” and won the historic Cannes Lions Glass Gold trophy in 2023 for equitable education and gender equality.

Mr. Saleemullah, Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan

Mr. Saleemullah is a career central banker and regulator with nearly 29 years of experience in key positions at the State Bank of Pakistan. His roles have included Head of Strategic Management, Director of Agricultural Credit, Director of Development Finance, Director of Islamic Banking, Director of Finance, and Executive Director of Financial Resource Management. With a strong strategic orientation and diversified experience across various central banking functions, he possesses deep insights into banking regulation, development finance, Islamic finance, financial management, and enterprise risk management.
He currently serves as the Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, overseeing financial inclusion, digital financial services, information technology, human resources, and the finance and risk management groups

Mr. Kazim Saeed, CEO, Pakistan Agricultural Coalition

Mr. Kazim Saeed is the co-founder and CEO of Pakistan Agricultural Coalition which builds new business models for growth in agriculture with Pakistan’s largest business groups and leading donors. He serves on the boards of pioneering agri-businesses: Naymat Collateral, Khushhaal Kissan, and Indus Acres. For the past twenty-five years, he has advised governments on energy policy with the World Bank. He also serves as the Chairman of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), one of Pakistan's leading civil society organizations focused on enhancing learning and school education. His award-winning book “Dou Pakistan: Har Pakistani Gharanay Tak Khushhaali” presents a comprehensive strategy for delivering prosperity to every Pakistani household. Kazim Saeed holds Bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and the History and Philosophy of Science from Cornell University (USA) and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University (USA).

Session 9: What Pakistan Can learn from Hungary

Mr. Bálint Pongrácz, Technical Director, Inteq

As an engineer, I have always been fascinated by the complexity of systems, yet I continually seek the simplest and most effective solutions to daily challenges. My approach focuses on step-by-step development and sustainable solutions, ensuring efficiency and maintainability while delivering substantial value. With industrial automation experience, I deeply understand how technology can drive impactful change. This understanding inspires and motivates our work at Inteq. As one of the founders I have dedicated the company to develop efficient and transparent systems that empower various industries, including agriculture. Advanced technologies used in industrial systems can effectively address critical challenges in agriculture. By adopting a transparent technical vision and providing robust solutions, farmers can implement production systems that are as reliable and efficient as those found in other industry. This cross-industry approach is central to our mission of fostering sustainable development.

Dr. Sandor Gorda, Private Consultant, Fisheries Expert

Dr. Sandor Gorda is a renowned expert in aquaculture. He has worked at the Fish Culture Research Institute, specializing in fish breeding, selection, and genetics, where he developed superior common carp hybrids and maintained a globally unique live carp gene bank. His work contributed to Hungary becoming the first country to regulate carp breeding in accordance with the Animal Husbandry Law. He continues to oversee the national carp breeding program, ensuring quality and productivity. With extensive experience in artificial reproduction and aquaculture, he has advised and developed fish farming projects worldwide, including in the Mekong and Amazon regions. After two decades in research, he transitioned to private consulting, successfully managing aquaculture initiatives, such as overseeing a tilapia and catfish fingerling production farm in Pakistan.

Mr. Faisal Iftikhar, CEO, AquaHatch

Being in the Seafood Business since 1998, I have been keeping an in-depth insight into the business management of this sector. The issues pertaining to this sector and the reason of its being stagnant. My 14 years involvement with the Fisheries Exporters association first as their Vice Chairman for 5 years and then its Chairman for 4 years as the now defunct Association Pakistan Seafood Industries Association and then as the Founding Chairman of Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association for 5 years has helped me understand this Industry like no other. I have sat on the Boards of TDAP ( Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) and EDF ( Export Development Fund Board) and NIO ( National Institute of Oceanography) thus having vast experience on what needs to be done and how we can move this sector forward.

Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture Tando Jam

Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal currently serves as the acting Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam and the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering at Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan. He has held key positions at the university, including Chairman of the Department of Land and Water Management and Director of ORIC. Dr. Siyal has a wealth of experience, having spent five years at the U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology Jamshoro, Pakistan. He is currently an elected Governing Body member of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC).

Dr. Fateh Muhammed Marri (PhD), Policymaker,
Professor and Former VC

Session 10: Empowering Farmers Through Public-Private Partnerships

Mr. Ali Shahid, Principal, Kearney, UAE Office

Ali is a seasoned consultant with deep expertise across the entire value chain—from grocery retail, where he has gained a strong understanding of consumer behavior in the GCC, to the production side, giving him a comprehensive perspective on supply dynamics. His experience also extends to advising on investment strategies, particularly in understanding what GCC investors, including sovereign entities, seek when identifying assets for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). With this unique vantage point, he brings valuable insights into aligning market realities with investor expectations.

Mr. Tanveer Hussain, SEVP & Head of Commercial Banking, Meezan Bank

Syed Tanveer Hussain, Group Executive, Meezan Bank is an accomplished Islamic banking executive with over 20 years of experience in driving growth and profitability. Hussain has profound expertise in Islamic finance principles and extensive experience in banking products and services. He has successfully established and expanded key business verticals within Meezan Bank, including Corporate, Commercial & priority sector lending (SCF & Agri). Hussain is a Harvard Business School (USA) alumnus also holds prestigious professional credentials, including ACA (ICAEW) and FCCA, complemented by an MBA from IBA. His leadership and financial acumen make him a key figure in the Islamic banking sector.

Mr. Ghasharib Shoukat, Head of Product at Pakistan Agriculture Research (PAR) & Founder/CEO of Zarai Mandi

Ghasharib Shoukat has been at the forefront of agricultural digitization in Pakistan since 2021, driving innovation and transformative solutions in the sector. As Head of Product at Pakistan Agriculture Research (PAR), Ghasharib has spearheaded the development of a comprehensive commodity insights dashboard, empowering stakeholders with critical data for informed decision-making. PAR delivers essential services such as price discovery, crop survey estimations, water and weather data, farmer data, international trade analysis, and consolidated commodity balance sheets. Ghasharib also conceptualized and launched the PAR News Bulletin, which now boasts over 10,000+ subscribers across Email, Website, and LinkedIn.

Session 11: How Pakistan’s Farmers Can Benefit from Carbon Credits

Dr. Irfan Yousaf, Climate Change Carbon Pricing Consultant, World Bank and UNDP

Dr. Irfan Yousuf is an accomplished professional in energy, climate finance, and climate change (mitigation and adaptation), with over 20 years of experience advancing clean energy, resilience, and adaptation projects. He excels in mobilizing domestic and international finance for initiatives spanning renewable power, energy policy, regulatory frameworks, NDCs, carbon markets, and Paris Agreement objectives, especially Article 6. Dr. Yousuf has partnered with leading organizations such as the World Bank, ADB, UNDP, UNEP, USAID, and UNOPS on projects in energy access, renewable development, green hydrogen, carbon markets, and sustainable infrastructure. He has led cross-functional teams and engaged with stakeholders across government, finance, and the private sector.

Ms. Gediz Kaya, CEO GAIA Climate (Turkey)

Gediz S. Kaya, the founder of Gaia Climate, is an experienced expert in climate change management and climate finance, with deep expertise in project evaluation, sustainability impact analysis, and capacity building in climate finance. She has formulated technical assistance strategies for client development, crafted impact monitoring and reporting frameworks for climate mitigation and adaptation programs, and worked extensively with bilateral banks, international and domestic financial institutions, and private equity funds. Her strategic advisory experience includes supporting borrowers, lenders, and financial institutions in green finance options such as green bonds. Gediz has developed comprehensive climate finance and risk management programs, especially for banks and corporates, and possesses advanced knowledge in emission reduction credit development and CDM methodologies. Her expertise includes GHG inventory risk assessment, MRV processes, and adaptation action planning for corporates and infrastructure projects.
She has founded one of the first climate finance advisory firms, Gaia Climate, in 2008 and emerged as an eminent figure in sustainable energy and climate finance, revolutionizing the global industry with expertise in low carbon development, climate risk management, and visionary emission reduction strategies.

Mr. Asad Soorty, Director, Soorty Enterprises

Mr. Asad Soorty is a highly skilled business leader and a graduate of the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. He began his career in consulting before realizing his true passion lay elsewhere. In 2015, he joined Soorty Enterprises, one of Pakistan's premier denim manufacturing companies, with a vision to prepare the business for the fourth industrial revolution, create succession, and sustain the company's inclusive growth. Asad currently serves as the Executive Director at Soorty, where he leads the Apparel Division and oversees the company's sustainability portfolio and other domains. He has been instrumental in driving growth and success for the company by spearheading the implementation of real-time information systems and data-led decision making. Additionally, his focus on brand building, environmental sustainability, and worker wellbeing has been critical in shaping the company's success. Asad has also been involved in the company's investments in Pakistan's emerging VC space.

Mr. Alamgir Khan Gandapur, Country Head & Chief Technical Officer, Delta Blue Carbon

Alamgir Khan Gandapur is the Country Head and Chief Technical Officer of the Delta Blue Carbon (DBC) Project, a groundbreaking initiative being implemented in the Indus Delta Area of Sindh Province, Pakistan. The DBC Project is globally recognized as the largest blue carbon project in history, setting a new benchmark for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. It has been validated at the Gold Level by VERRA for delivering exceptional climate change adaptation, community and biodiversity benefits, making it a model project for nature-based solutions to climate change, sustainable development and conservation. The project has achieved remarkable success in mobilizing private sector finance through innovative public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements. It serves as an industry leader in advancing methodological and technological innovations, acting as a real-world laboratory to enhance carbon monitoring and reporting practices. DBC project is contributing to refining global standards for nature credits, carbon accounting and sustainable forest management, further cementing its reputation as a pioneer in the field.

Ms. Sana Ehsan, National Project Coordinator Insurance and Risk Financing, UNDP

Ms. Sana Ehsan is a seasoned public policy expert, currently leading the Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance portfolio at UNDP Pakistan. With over 18 years of diverse experience, she has collaborated with UN agencies, development partners, and the Government of Pakistan in various capacities. Ms. Ehsan holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Economic Development from the Korea Development Institute of Public Policy and Management, as well as an MSc in Economics.

Session 13: Exports and Branding of Pakistan’s Agri Products

Mr. Felix Antonio Chacon , International Banana
Value Chain Expert

Felix Antonio Chacon, born in Panama, brings 43 years of unparalleled experience in the banana industry, spanning farm operations, quality management, and international market development. He began his career with Chiquita Brands in Panama, where he underwent extensive training and advanced to roles such as Packing Plant Supervisor and Farm Superintendent, managing 600 hectares. Felix played a pivotal role in developing and implementing a revolutionary palletization system across Latin America under Chiquita Brands.Felix’s expertise expanded globally as he led quality improvement projects in Europe, working in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Sweden. He was part of a specialized team pioneering Controlled Atmosphere technology to enhance product quality during transportation.

Mr. Ali Wafa, COO, Indus Acres

Ali Wafa is an agribusiness professional with a vision to reshape Pakistan’s agricultural landscape. Since starting his journey in 2017 as a banana trader, he has steadily immersed himself in the industry, gaining hands-on experience across farms, markets, and supply chains. Today, as the Co-Founder of Indus Acres, Ali is focused on building a modern farm management company dedicated to enhancing banana production and creating a value chain that connects local farmers with global opportunities.

Mr. Abrar Hasan, CEO National Foods Limited

Mr. Abrar Hasan is the Global CEO at National Foods Limited (NFL) and has been a Director on the Board of NFL since 2000. He is a Director at National Foods DMCC (NFDMCC), a wholly owned subsidiary of NFL; a Director at National Epicure Inc. Canada (NEI) and National Foods Pakistan UK Ltd., and a Director at A-1 Bags & Supplies Inc. Canada, a subsidiary of NEI. Mr. Abrar Hasan studied Industrial Management and Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, Indiana, USA, and is a Certified Director from the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance.

Mr. Sheryar Taj, Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)

Mr. Sheryar Taj started his professional career as a Banker as Grade 1 Officer in the National Bank of Pakistan in 1995. Later in 1996, he joined the Civil Services of Pakistan as a District Management Group (DMG) Officer and served on different administrative positions in several districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Khuzdar, Bolan, Mastung and Barkhan. From 2003 to 2012, for nearly a decade, he remained associated with the development sector including National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) where he served both at the district level and later as Provincial Head of Balochistan Province. He also served as Project Manager for UNDP and Provincial head for USAID development related projects in Balochistan. Since 23rd August 2024, Mr. Taj has joined as Secretary TDAP.

Mr. Ehsan Malik, CEO, The Pakistan Business Council

Since 2016, CEO of the Pakistan Business Council, Pakistan’s premier business advocacy body composed of over 100 of the most prominent local and foreign-owned businesses that generate 40% of the country’s exports, contribute a third of direct taxes, employ more than three million and whose combined turnover represents every eighth Rupee of Pakistan’s GDP. PBC’s objectives are to promote investment-friendly policies that create jobs, value-added exports, and reduction in imports of essentials, as well as promote the formalization of the economy. Through its Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business, PBC also encourages adoption of responsible ESG practices.

Session 14: ZarZaraat: PAC’s Competition for Start-Ups

Investor: Mr. Ali Fawad, Director AlKaram

Mr. Ali Fawad is an Economics graduate from the University of Cambridge with a background in consultancy, specializing in pricing and go-to-market strategies across diverse sectors. After relocating to Pakistan in 2022, he took on a leadership role at Al Karam Textile, overseeing both export and local retail operations over the past three years.
In addition to his textile experience, Ali led his family’s diversification into agriculture, including corporate and shrimp farming. In 2023, he co-founded Farmevo, a pioneering company offering drone-based crop monitoring software across Pakistan, the United States, and Canada.

Investor: Mr. Bilal Sidiki, CEO Terra Corp

Investor: Mr. Azhar Khan, CEO LAILA Labs

As the CEO of Dubai-based LAILA Labs, Azhar Khan is at the forefront of integrating Generative AI with market research, consumer testing, and product development. In addition to his executive role, Azhar serves as a Venture Partner at UAE-based Omnia Ventures, where he leverages his extensive experience to identify and support emerging tech startups. His dual roles enable him to shape technological innovations and foster entrepreneurial success at multiple levels.
Azhar's entrepreneurial journey is marked by notable successes including founding PhotoGAUGE and co-founding Like.com, an AI-driven vision company later acquired by Google, Ithaca Software acquired by Autodesk and Cubus acquired by Soward Group.
Educated at Stanford University and Cornell University, beyond his roles in operational leadership, Azhar is an advisor and investor, having been involved in notable successful exits such as Flutter (acquired by Google), Fliptop (acquired by LinkedIn), and Playnomics (acquired by Unity3D).
His strategic acumen and visionary leadership continue to influence the tech landscape, particularly in the realms of AI, 3D Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, Metrology and Educational Technology. With a deep-rooted presence in San Francisco, California and Dubai’s vibrant tech scene, Azhar remains a pivotal figure in driving forward the possibilities of AI and its applications in the real world.

Investor: Mr. Abrar Hasan, CEO National Foods

Investor: Mr. Farid Khan, Investment Banking Head, BoP

Mr. Farid has been involved with financial sector for over 26 years and has a broad experience in Microfinance, Fund Management, Investment Banking, Investment Research and Business Development. Prior to joining BOP, he served FINCA Bank for almost a year as Acting President/CEO and Independent Director for four years. He served for 10 years in investment management side as CEO of HBL Asset Management and ABL Asset Management. He has also worked for MCB Bank, initially as Head of Investment Banking Group and later as the CEO of MCB Asset Management. Mr. Farid has extensive experience outside Pakistan, having worked at global firms like Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and Credit Lyonnais Securities,on senior positions in UK, Singapore, Turkey and Malaysia.

Closing Session

Ms. Florence Rolle, Country Representative United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization

Ms. Florence Rolle has been appointed as the FAO Representative in Pakistan on 23rd August 2021. Ms. Rolle holds a Masters Degree in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Policy from Imperial College in London, United Kingdom, graduated as Agricultural Engineer from the Institute National Agronomique Paris-Grignon and Civil Engineer of Rural Water and Forest Engineering from the National School of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests (France).

Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President, National Bank of Pakistan

Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie is President of National Bank of Pakistan since August 2023. He has over 27 years of work experience in the financial sector including stints in economic research, capital markets, investment banking, treasury and credit markets at various institutions in Pakistan. He is a banker with a MA in Development Banking from the American University (USA). Prior to becoming President of the Bank, he has held senior level positions in NBP including, heading investment banking and priority sector lending. He has spearheaded NBP’s focus on access to finance initiatives in the areas of agriculture finance, lending to small and medium enterprises as well as the promotion of renewable resources in Pakistan. This was the strategic alignment of the Bank to contributing the country’s goals pertaining to financial inclusion as well as sustainable growth.