Building on the unprecedented success of the 2023 convention, which attracted 1.6 million participants and 974 exhibitors from 31 countries, the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei continued to serve as a premier global platform for manufacturing innovation and international cooperation.
The 2023 convention set new records across all metrics, establishing Hefei as a premier destination for global manufacturing dialogue.
Chief Executive Officer, Enfiniti Innovate
Invited as a distinguished speaker at the World Manufacturing Convention 2024, Dr. Sami Iqbal addressed an audience of global manufacturing leaders, policymakers, and industry experts on the transformative potential of Pakistan-China agricultural collaboration.
The World Manufacturing Convention has consistently attracted world-renowned speakers, including Nobel laureates and industry titans. Previous editions featured Nobel Physics laureate George Smoot, BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu, and leaders from Volkswagen, Siemens, and Continental. Dr. Iqbal's inclusion among this distinguished group underscores Enfiniti Innovate's growing recognition as a key player in Pakistan-China technology transfer.
On the sidelines of the World Manufacturing Convention, Dr. Sami Iqbal held a strategic meeting with the Pakistan Consul General in Hefei. The discussion centered on leveraging Pakistan's agricultural potential through Chinese technology and investment, and the critical role of platforms like WMC in facilitating such international partnerships.
A key outcome of the convention was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Enfiniti Innovate and Annongda Agriculture Technology, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan-China agricultural cooperation and paving the way for technology transfer in smart farming solutions.
"The World Manufacturing Convention provides an invaluable platform for fostering international cooperation. Our discussions with the Consul General and the MoU with Annongda represent concrete steps toward realizing Pakistan's agricultural potential through Chinese technology and investment."
During his address and diplomatic engagements, Dr. Iqbal emphasized Pakistan's unique position to become South Asia's leader in smart and sustainable agriculture, citing compelling economic data and structural advantages.
Livestock dominates at 63.6% of agriculture value added
$3.5 billion deficit in FY2022-23
63.6%
of agri value added
3%
only processed
14L/day
far below potential
1.66%
CAGR vs 2.5% population
Dr. Iqbal's discussions centered on transforming Pakistan from a raw commodity supplier to a value-added agricultural producer. The current gap represents a multi-billion dollar opportunity:
Experts note that decades of underinvestment in agricultural research have limited the development of high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties. A comprehensive policy framework targeting research, crop diversification, and export-oriented processing is essential to transform agriculture into a driver of rural employment and economic growth.
The MoU with Annongda represents the latest in a series of deepening agricultural ties between Pakistan and China. The 2023 World Manufacturing Convention alone facilitated 587 cooperation projects with total investment of nearly ¥350 billion.
Previous WMC editions have demonstrated the power of such platforms: the皖巴 (Pakistan-Anhui) Agricultural International Cooperation Development Forum has become a regular feature, reflecting the growing depth of bilateral agricultural engagement.
Dr. Sami Iqbal's participation in the World Manufacturing Convention 2024 and the subsequent meeting with the Pakistan Consul General represent a pivotal moment in Enfiniti Innovate's mission to bridge Pakistan's agricultural potential with Chinese technological expertise. The MoU with Annongda lays the groundwork for concrete projects in smart farming, seed technology, and value-added processing.
As Pakistan seeks to modernize its agricultural sector—which employs nearly 40% of the workforce yet faces structural challenges—partnerships forged at platforms like WMC offer a pathway to sustainable growth, rural prosperity, and enhanced food security.