A three-day global food and agriculture exhibition is currently taking place in Toronto, Canada. The event is being held under the banner of SIAL, one of the world’s largest platforms for food and agri-business. Pakistan is taking part with a dedicated Pakistan pavilion, showcasing a variety of local products.
The Pakistan pavilion consists of ten stalls. It highlights items such as basmati rice, traditional spices, and natural fruit juices. The exhibition hall is located in a central part of Toronto. The initiative is supported by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Consulate General of Pakistan in Toronto, and other relevant institutions.
The goal is to boost Pakistani exports and build stronger trade relations with Canada and other participating nations. Company representatives are stationed at their respective booths to market and promote their goods. However, many visitors noticed something missing. There was no dedicated stall for Himalayan salt from Pakistan’s Khewra mines.
This absence at the Pakistan pavilion raised eyebrows. Himalayan salt is a highly profitable export, especially in North America. Surprisingly, India—despite having no salt mines of its own—has been importing raw Himalayan salt from Pakistan at low rates. It processes and rebrands it as “Himalayan salt,” selling it internationally at premium prices. This practice has earned India billions of dollars. The salt is especially valued by Jewish consumers in the US and Canada due to its religious and cultural relevance.
In an interview with Jang, Pakistan’s Consul General in Toronto, Khalil Bajwa, spoke about the importance of the Pakistan pavilion. He said it offers a vital opportunity to showcase Pakistani products. Bajwa stressed the need to increase the current annual trade volume between Pakistan and Canada, which stands at about $400 million.
He added that the Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan’s High Commission in Ottawa, and the Toronto Consulate had all worked together to set up the Pakistan pavilion. However, visa delays prevented some exhibitors from reaching Canada. As a result, a few stalls remained empty.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada, Muhammad Saleem, also visited the exhibition. He came from Ottawa to tour the Pakistan pavilion and held meetings during the event. Saleem also met with officials from Global Affairs Canada. They discussed the growing tensions between Pakistan and India.
