Expo-2005 to boost exports of local products: minister

Commerce Minister, Humayun Akhtar Khan on Friday said the Expo-2005 will prove to be a mega and export-oriented event, projecting Pakistan's image as a moderate, enlightened and progressive country of the world. "International Spring Trade Fair (ISTF) 2005, the largest trade show, to be held at the Karachi Expo Centre will provide an opportunity to the local manufacturers to introduce their products to the international buyers," he said while talking to APP on telephone.
Humayun Akhtar said the mega event aims to provide platform for joint ventures, collaborations and prosperous investment opportunities for business communities from all around the world.
With the advent of time, he said, Pakistan conquers new boundaries and horizons. Currently Pakistan is poised to bring in collaborative incentives that are going to revolutionise the business communities of the world.
Humayun Akhtar said all Pakistani products of international standard would be displayed under a single roof available to the buyers. There would be potential buyers in the event, he added.
The response of the buyers was excellent and in fact it was more than expectations, he said, adding, a number of multinational companies would attend the Expo. The Expo will be held regularly on annual basis. All trade officers of the participating countries would also be present during the Expo to keep close liaison with the delegations of their respective countries.
The Expo will greatly help in changing the perception of Pakistan world-wide and project its impression as a soft, enlightened and progressive country, he added.
The Commerce minister said: "We want to tell the world that there is a great difference between perception and reality."
The people will come and examine the prevailing peaceful environment in the country and it would help improve the country's image at abroad, he added. Humayun said, the Expo would also offer an opportunity to the exporters, particularly in the wake of abolition of quota regime, and would boost the exports of cotton products.
"Our business community will find a good opportunity to interact with the international business community," he said, adding, the Expo will help augment the exports.