Namal University
Dr. Muhammad Ashraf
(Professor, DBS)
Namal University Mianwali
(Connecting Rural Stakeholders, Empowering Communities, Strengthening Pakistan’s Rural Economy)
The Department of Business Studies (DBS), in collaboration with the Nisar Aziz AgriTech Center (NAAC) at Namal University, is committed to empowering rural communities by connecting academia, farmers, rural entrepreneurs, financial institutions, industry, and public-sector organizations. In this pursuit, DBS initiated the Rural Economic Forum (REF) as a key platform to bridge rural communities with finance, entrepreneurship, business opportunities, and institutional support.
The Forum focuses on strengthening agribusiness and rural enterprise development by creating awareness about the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) initiatives, introducing students, farmers, entrepreneurs, and local businesses to commercial banking and financing opportunities, and highlighting Islamic banking solutions. Through these efforts, REF aims to promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, value addition, investment, and stronger rural business linkages, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable rural economy.
To create awareness about SBP initiatives for rural communities
To familiarize students, entrepreneurs, and local businesses with financing options from commercial banks
To introduce Islamic banking opportunities
The forum will focus on interconnected areas shaping sustainable rural economic development.
Pakistan’s agriculture and agribusiness sector offers significant opportunities across crop production, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, food processing, agricultural machinery, inputs, and emerging agri-technologies. Participation in a leading agriculture and agribusiness exhibition provides valuable access to new markets, technologies, investment opportunities, and business partnerships.
With participation from national and international exhibitors, industry professionals, researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors, such an exhibition creates a strong platform for networking and knowledge exchange. It connects businesses with decision-makers, market leaders, distributors, technology providers, financial institutions, and potential partners, while providing exposure to innovative solutions, modern production technologies, value-addition opportunities, and emerging trends that can strengthen the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agribusiness sector.
If you're interested in exhibiting at REF 2026, submit your details and our team will contact you regarding stall availability, participation requirements, and booking.
The forum is intended for stakeholders who contribute to rural enterprise, finance, innovation, education, and economic support.
(Professor, DBS)
Namal University Mianwali
(Chief Manager)
SBP BSC Rawalpindi
(Director ORIC)
PIDE
(Professor, SEECS)
NUST
