A grand and historic welcome was accorded to Dr. Rick Stephen, Vice President of Worldchefs (Paris), at the Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore, where the culinary fraternity gathered to celebrate his arrival with warmth and admiration.

Founder, President, and CEO of COTHM, Ahmad Shafiq, along with his team, personally welcomed the distinguished guest. A bouquet of fresh flowers was presented as a gesture of respect and hospitality, symbolizing the significance of his visit to Pakistan’s culinary industry.

In his remarks, Dr. Stephan expressed heartfelt appreciation for COTHM and the Chefs’ Association of Pakistan (CAP), commending their tireless efforts in raising the professional standards of chefs and forging meaningful connections with the global gastronomy network. He emphasized that such initiatives not only uplift Pakistan’s culinary landscape but also create opportunities for international recognition.

During the reception, Mel Nathan, Founder of the Executive Chefs Club (Australia) and Publisher & Editor of Food Companion International Magazine, also joined Dr. Stephen, Vice President, Wordschefs at PC Hotel, Lahore. She praised the remarkable arrangements and lauded the strategic partnership of COTHM and CAP, describing it as a powerful step in linking Pakistan more closely with the global culinary world.

The visit was further highlighted by Dr. Stephen’s role in leading the Worldchefs Competition Seminar at PC Hotel, where he supervised culinary training activities and inspired the next generation of chefs. His presence, alongside Mel Nathan’s support, underscored the growing international recognition of Pakistan’s vibrant culinary industry.