ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Trade Caravan opened at Almaty Kazakhstan on Friday aimed at fostering trade and investment relations between Pakistan and Kazakhistan.
According to a message received here from Almaty Kazakhstan,some 45 companies in textile, agro foods, herbal, pharmaceutical and handicrafts displayed their products to a large audience of members of Kazakh Chambers and businessmen.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) also developed a large composite stall with highest quality home textile, garments and sportsware that had been provided by brands such as Chen One, Gul Ahmed, Sapphire and Al Karam.
At the inauguration, the Kazakh government was represented by Arsen Nasyrkanov, from Akim office, Mr.Taimur of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs,and Ms Khudova, President of the Textile Industry of Kazakhstan.
Mr Mukhtar, President of Almaty Chamber of Commerce, Mr Arslan, Head of Foreign Office Almaty were also present on the occasion.
From Pakistan side Ambassador Salik Khan and CEO TDAP S.M Muneer and Rabiya Javeri Agha, Secretary TDAP werealso present.
It was noted that the existing trade potential is not reflective of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Despite strong trade complementarities, bilateral trade between the two nation's is of low value addition and is at approximately $34 million.
Despite strong brotherly relations and similar religious inclinations, one of the major impediments is the low level of interaction between people of the two countries.
In order to increase this interaction and trust between businessmen of two countries, TDAP initiated the concept of Pakistan Trade Caravan which was largely appreciated by visiting participants.
The Trade Caravan initiative is the first step in the beginning of long term commercial relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
This was demonstrated during the inauguration ceremony by the attendance of large number of official and businessmen of the country.
The silk route of ancient times was the blood line for economic growth and national development.
It is time that torevive this ancient trade legacy and move towards greater bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
The TDAP's road show branding reflected this legacy of trade caravans crossing from country to country in search of mutual economic benefit.
During the event, some 300 Kazakh companies took part in strong B2B sessions with their Pakistani counterparts.
Companies such as TurnikKz, Radiance, Dest Textile Firm Kaz center expressed strong interest in textile, leather and sports.
Pakistani companies present have acknowledged the work of the government and have expressed satisfaction in the show arrangements.
According to the President of the Hosiery Manufacturers Association, Dr Khurram Tariq, the event has paved the way Pakistan's entry into this hereto unrecognized but strong regional market.
From the public side, interest was also shown in herbal productswith Marhaba Company half sold out on the first day.
The TDAP has also taken Urdu dramas dubbed in Russian language for sale in the media and entertainment industry.
Following the success of the event, the USAID regional office is also seeking exhibitor and TDAP interest in participation in the Central Asian TradeForum scheduled to be held in Almaty in September this year.
The Pakistan Trade Caravan at Almaty will continue till May 15.
A fashion show is also scheduled in the open amphitheatre of Almaty's Mega Mall on May 14.
Senior designers such as Warda Saleem, Amir Adnan, Ayesha Ibrahim and AlKaram have loaned their apparel and designs for the fashion show tomorrow.
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