KARACHI: Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim inaugurated 6th International Expo Pakistan on Thursday, here at Expo Centre.
Federal Secretary Commerce Zaffar Mehmood, Chief Executive Officer of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Tariq Puri, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Senator Haji Ghulam Ali were also present.This international event, with participation of 52 countries, will continue till Oct 23.It will be open for general public on last two days.Talking to media on this occasion, the Minister said the expo would prove a big opportunity to market Pakistan’s wide range of products that is, textile, agriculture and dairy products, fisheries, meat, engineering goods.
Handicrafts and other cottage industry products have been given prominent place in the expo.It would greatly help promote our exports and bring more foreign investment in various sectors of the country. It would give very good exposure to foreign investors and would help stop flight of capital from the country, he said.
He said a large number of foreign and domestic investors besides diplomats from various countries are expected to visit the 4-day expo.“ I hope , Expo will help us achieve our exports target,” he said.While assisting the Minister, CEO , TDAP Tariq Puri told more than 600 foreign importers are expected to visit this international trade exhibition. These include from Russia, China, Japan, France.
To another query, the Federal Minister said the PPP-led Government was trying its best to improve energy situation in the country. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani laid the foundation stone of Bhasha Dam two days back to ensure energy supply position in next couple of years. The work on Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline project was in progress.
“ We are using all available sources including the import of gas to meet its domestic and industrial demand,” he said.When his attention was drawn to the recent positive developments between Pakistan and India on economic front, Makhdoom Amin Fahim confirmed that many trade related issues were settled. Future strategy on bilateral trade would be finalized during the meeting to be held in the current month.
The Minister underlined the need for a change of mindset at all levels for socio-economic uplift of the country.He requested the media to project the country very positively before the world in the national interest.President FPCCI Senator Haji Ghulam Ali in his comments, on this occasion, said the expo would help promote especially Pakistani handicrafts in the world.He saw a good volume of orders from foreign importers visiting the expo.Later, Federal Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim made a detailed visit to the stalls—local and foreign companies-representing many industries. – APP
