Under the Theme “Agri-tech: Feeding the Future”, ICCD Inaugurates its BOE Asia Series
In its relentless pursuit of advancing food security and spurring economic growth across OIC member states, ICCD organized the first event of its Best of Entrepreneurship in Asia Series themed “Agri-tech: Feeding the Future”, on August 28, 2024, on the sidelines of the 25th ITCN Asia, at Karachi Expo Center, Pakistan.
The event united regional Agri business leaders and institutions, along with over 14 international delegates representing Asian countries, who came together to exchange innovative business models and best practices for fostering entrepreneurship, empowering youth, and charting a digital future that accelerate the growth of regional trade and investments.
In a powerful opening, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), H.E. Mr. Yousef Khalawi, highlighted the significance of technology as the catalyst for advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring its sustainable growth, indicating: “Technology is the greatest and easiest gate for a better future for our lives, but entrepreneurs who are creating this future. So, our role is to work together to develop the infrastructure and the ecosystem of entrepreneurship in our countries and across the globe”.
In this regard, Mr. Muhammad Atif Hanif, CEO of Al Barakah Bank Pakistan, highlighted the significance of promoting new technologies, adding: “As Al Baraka Bank Pakistan, we’re aligning with several leading Agri-tech companies, so that we will not only increase the digital outreach to the customer, but also be able to finance the technology-related services and products”.
Given the pivotal role of food security in today’s world, the Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), H.E. Mr. Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, emphasized the necessity to propel the agricultural landscape in Pakistan, stating: “We’re now working on the direction of value addition to the agricultural produce”.
For his part, Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Acting President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), highlighted the significance of the Best of Entrepreneurship Series as a key driver for economic growth, pointing out that FPCCI will continue its strenuous endeavors to support startups and entrepreneurs for a better economic future.
The event explored strategies for boosting entrepreneurship and enhancing regional trade to secure a brighter economic future. Among the many insightful panel discussions was the “CEO Insights: Climate Change and Agricultural Development, Sustainability & Future Business Models” session. This panel highlighted how forward-thinking leaders are leveraging cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative business approaches to transform the industry and tackle the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Exploring the game-changing impact of innovative technologies on the economic sphere, the panel session “Empowering Growth: Financing Agri-Tech Adoption” underscored the significance of digital financial mechanisms in nurturing sustainable progress within the agricultural sector. The discussion highlighted how these innovative financial tools are instrumental in driving growth, promoting efficiency, and fostering resilience within the agricultural industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and productive future.
In a dynamic exploration of the agricultural landscape, the “Agri-preneurs: Empowering Local Innovations” panel session, illuminated the critical role that entrepreneurs and international organizations play in driving innovation and reshaping the agricultural landscape. Panelists shared inspiring success stories of local innovators who are leveraging cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to tackle pressing challenges in agriculture.
Additionally, the event witnessed a fireside chat entitled “From Idea to Impact- The Entrepreneurs Journey”, which addressed the challenge of high-interest margins for farmers and stressed the need for equal access to technology. The discussion also noted the prevalence of feature phones over smartphones among farmers, hindering digital transactions.
Uncovering the secrets behind entrepreneurs’ excellence, another fireside chat took place entitled “Harvesting Success-An Entrepreneur’s Path in Agri-tech”, to share insights on the challenges faced by Listenfield, the innovative solutions they developed, and the lessons learned along the way. This fireside chat also shed light on the unique blend of determination, creativity, and resilience required to thrive in the agricultural technology industry.
Charting new avenues for collaboration, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) signed MOUs, on the sidelines of the event, with Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), aiming to enhance mutual cooperation in areas of capacity building and enhance participation in the international mega events organized by ICCD.
The Best of Entrepreneurship Series in Asia (BOE Asia) emerges as a shining platform of innovation and progress, lighting the path towards a renaissance in agriculture and economy across OIC member nations, reflecting ICCD’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and promoting positive change within the OIC business sector.