Ahmad Shafiq, Founder, President and CEO of COTHM Global, accompanied by Richard Sprenger, Chairman of Highfield International, held a meeting with Muhammad Naseer, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC), to explore potential areas of collaboration and strengthen connections between education, hospitality, agriculture and Pakistan’s horticulture and export industries.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss mutual interests and identify potential avenues for cooperation aimed at supporting industry development, promoting professional skills and creating stronger linkages between educational institutions and key economic sectors.
Discussions highlighted the importance of connecting hospitality and culinary education with Pakistan’s agricultural and horticultural industries. The country’s horticulture sector offers considerable opportunities across fruit and vegetable production, food processing, value addition, supply chain management and international exports. Stronger coordination between these sectors can contribute to improved product quality, enhanced market opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
The engagement also highlighted the potential for knowledge exchange, professional training and industry-oriented initiatives that could help develop a skilled workforce equipped to meet evolving national and international market requirements.
Ahmad Shafiq highlighted COTHM Global’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with national and international organisations to strengthen professional education and create opportunities for students and industry practitioners. Through its focus on hospitality, tourism and culinary education, COTHM continues to explore connections with related sectors that contribute to Pakistan’s economic and professional development.
Richard Sprenger’s participation brought an international perspective to the discussions, particularly regarding professional standards, training, quality assurance and the importance of developing skills that meet global industry expectations.
Muhammad Naseer’s engagement with the delegation provided an opportunity to explore shared interests between PHDEC’s horticulture and export development objectives and COTHM Global’s educational and professional training initiatives.
The meeting reflected the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in building stronger industry ecosystems. Bringing together education, agriculture, food production, hospitality and international expertise can open new avenues for innovation, skills development and sustainable business growth.
Through such engagements, COTHM Global continues to pursue meaningful partnerships that connect education with industry, promote professional excellence and contribute to Pakistan’s growing economic and export potential.
