Expo Pakistan scheduled from February 25

"Expo Pakistan is aimed at providing unprecedented opportunities to its participants to witness a showcase of high quality products from Pakistan.
This mega event has become the largest international trade exhibition of Pakistan generating business worth millions of dollars, in the country, said Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, Director General Trade Development Authority addressing the leading textile manufacturers and exporters here at Pakistan Textile Exporters Association on Sunday.
D.G. TDAP said that Expo Pakistan, the largest trade show of Pakistan, organised annually with an objective to display the entire range of quality products under one roof for the assessment of international buyers. More than 4000 international buyers from 70 countries have established business contacts through this annual exhibition in the last Five years, he said. The commencement of this event has not only contributed immensely to reposition the country's image but has also been instrumental in generating economic activity in the country in general, and within the export community in particular, he added.
Strengthened by the success of last 5 exhibitions, the 6th Edition of Expo Pakistan is scheduled from February 25-28, 2011, promising more rewarding opportunities for its participants, he said. The government is making efforts to promote Pakistan's exports by entering into free trade agreements with various countries. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, seeks to promote local manufacturers and their value added products in the global trade, he said. The event would be one stop-sourcing platform for new business alliances and investments, he claimed.
Addressing, Naseer Ahmad, Director TDAP Faisalabad said that a large number of foreign buyers from 50 countries have visited this mega event last year despite the negative propaganda in the international media. This shows that Pakistan is safe for foreign visitors and it has a business friendly atmosphere, he said and added, this mega event will help in enhancing the textile exports of the country. He assured that all the facilities would be provided to the exhibitors in the event.
Earlier Chairman PTEA, Wasim Latif welcomed the guest and said that Pakistan is in dire need of enhancing exports to provide some cushion to its sagging economy. However, due to some negative factors, exports are suffering right from the beginning of current financial year. Expo Pakistan would be a pleasant sign for textile exporters to exhibit their products and promote their trade, he hoped.
Textile exporters pointed out that the timing of holding the Expo was not adequate, as most of the textile exporter would be out of the country in connection with HEIMTEXTIL etc. It was suggested that exhibition should be held in September or April, however, September would be ideal month. They further suggested that Expo should not be a general type exhibition but specific products fair. Textile exporters further suggested that single item i.e textile only exhibition should be held for optimum results.
PTEA members pointed out some practical shortcoming experienced in earlier Expo fairs, inadequate arrangements and infrastructure facilities provided by the event holders. They urged the TDAP officials to hold thorough consultation and discussions with the stakeholders well in time to make the Expo successful.