ABOUT US

Pakistani Sesame Exporters Association (SEAP) in the past, Pakistan's sesame exports were small-scale and unorganized. A specialized platform, the Sesame Exporters Association of Pakistan (SEAP), was established as a result of the business sector's response to the growing demand for Pakistani sesame seeds worldwide and their potential. To bring together exporters, processors, and other sesame sector players, SEAP was founded in 2012–2013. To represent sesame exporters' interests at the national and international levels, SEAP has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, and other government agencies since its founding. SEAP has also played a pivotal role in organizing and participating in international trade forums, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meetings, including delegations from the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. These efforts have contributed significantly to enhancing Pakistan’s visibility and competitiveness in the global sesame seed market. In 2016, SEAP was formally registered with the Director General of Trade Organizations, Ministry of Commerce, and membership was recognized as a key affiliation for those engaged in sesame exports. SEAP remains proactive in addressing the challenges that affect sesame exports. The association has submitted proposals and action plans concerning quality enhancement, modern processing technology, export policies, research gaps, and marketing inefficiencies. Whether the challenges are domestic or international in nature, SEAP’s leadership and members have consistently worked together to resolve issues and support the growth of the sector. Since the expansion of the sesame trade under the private sector, SEAP members have played a major role in boosting export figures. Starting from modest volumes, Pakistan has now become a recognized exporter of high-quality sesame seeds, catering to markets in China, Korea, Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. SEAP has also successfully united farmers, processors, and exporters on a single platform, fostering cooperation and mutual development. Through training workshops, seminars, and awareness programs, SEAP continues to enhance knowledge of global standards, quality control, and export trends across the entire sesame value chain. This united effort has resulted in improved quality, traceability, and trust in Pakistan’s sesame exports worldwide.

In 1992 SEAP also played host the GCC which included government buyers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, U.A.E., Bahrain and Qatar. For the first time since private sector was allowed Sesame exports they made a sale of 36000 tons.In 1998-99 REAP became a registered body with the Director Trade Organization Ministry of Commerce. SEAP membership became compulsory by Ministry of Commerce for all Sesame exporters.

SEAP is very active and conscientious regarding issues that might impede rice exports. From time to time action plans were proposed by SEAP on various issues that were causing problem in rice exports. Some of the problems on which SEAP sent action plans were milling machinery import problems, limited Sesame research prevailing, less varieties of Sesame being grown in the country, poor marketing and so on and so forth. Whether these issues pertain to domestic problems, government policy or international issues SEAP through its managing committee and members has always been pivotal in resolving all such matters.

Ever since exports were allowed to the private sector, SEAP members, starting from mere 300 Million Dollars in 1998-99, managed to export above 4 Million Tons of Sesame amounting to over 2 Billion Dollars from Pakistan in 2009-10. No other commodity has shown such growth in the history of Pakistan. SEAP has accomplished creditable task of bringing growers, millers and traders of Sesame crop on one platform and has created mutual harmony, understanding and affection among each other. SEAP leadership has organized number of seminars to educate people involved at each stage of Sesame. These seminars have greatly helped understanding of latest techniques and solutions of bottlenecks faced. This spirit-de-crop has resulted in production of high quality Sesame in the country.

SEAP Vision Statement

The Sesame Exporters Association of Pakistan (SEAP) is a forward-looking, newly formed body dedicated to transforming Pakistan’s sesame sector into a globally recognized and competitive industry. SEAP serves as a collaborative platform for exporters, producers, and policymakers, aiming to drive sustainable growth and innovation across the entire sesame value chain.

SEAP envisions positioning Pakistan as a major global player in sesame exports by focusing on:

  • Value Chain Development: Strengthening linkages from farm to market through investment in infrastructure, training, and technology.
  • Quality and Compliance: Promoting internationally accepted standards in processing, packaging, and traceability.
  • Market Diversification: Unlocking new export destinations through trade facilitation, branding, and partnerships.
  • Policy Advocacy: Working closely with government bodies to create a supportive regulatory and trade environment.

With a clear strategic direction, SEAP is committed to increasing Pakistan’s sesame exports to USD 1 billion within five years, contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural exports and rural economy. This vision is anchored in collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to excellence among all stakeholders.

Seap Member's