Ministry of Commerce (MoC) is likely to revise its policy relating to allocation of exhibitions to trade bodies in foreign countries in view of a plethora of complaints received against the organisers. Holding exhibitions abroad is a big money spinner and the sponsors collect big chunks from the participants for the allocation of space them. Here also favourites are obliged at the cost of genuine exhibitors of goods and services.
Over the years, the Ministry of Commerce had tried to keep a blind eye on this state of affairs, but lately complaints have started pouring in such large numbers that there was no choice left but to give a second thought to the allocation policy.
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) also organises participation of Pakistani exporters in exhibitions abroad at a nominal fee and in return endeavours to provide maximum possible facilities to the participants. A case in point is a single country "Made in Pakistan" exhibition organised by Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Expo Mumbai from August 31 to September 5, 2012 in the World Trade Center. Besides this event, the FPCCI also organised official participation in the India International Trade Fair 2012 from November 14-27, 2012 in New Delhi.
According to official figures quoted by FPCCI, 97 stalls, mostly comprising textiles and textile made-ups were booked and a sum of Rs 249,000 was collected from each participant as participation fee including booth costs. On the sidelines of the exhibition a delegation was constituted which was led by President FPCCI who also inaugurated the exhibition along with Kanoreia, President, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Two Vice-Presidents of FPCCI had also accompanied the President besides four officials at FPCCI expenses.
Similarly in the Delhi trade fair, 176 exhibitors had displayed their products, here again mostly of textiles and textile made-ups They were accommodated in two halls, hall 6 and special hanger 22 which were hired for the purpose. FPCCI had collected a participation fee inclusive of booth cost amounting to Rs 350,000 from each participant. On the sidelines of the exhibition President, FPCCI led a trade delegation and had inaugurated the pavilion. Four Vice-Presidents and three FPCCI officials had also accompanied the delegation.
Those who were left out demanded that the FPCCI explain what were the gains achieved by Pakistan through participation in the two events in India. Or was the entire exercise aimed at inflating the budget of FPCCI to be utilised on foreign trips of FPCCI office bearers and officials?
Vice President, FPCCI Mirza Abdul Rehman demanded that the amount collected from the two events be audited by external auditors. In a letter sent to the acting Secretary General of FPCCI on December 14, he had demanded information about the exhibitions held especially in India, the list of travellers from FPCCI, number of stalls in the two events, unofficial persons who attended the exhibition at the expense of FPCCI besides seven other questions relating to the working of the apex trade body.
The reply received in response to his letter has been described by him as a"lollypop" as the details provided failed to meet his requirements. Rehman reiterated that comprehensive details be provided to him regarding the names of the participants, their company's names, the amount taken from them, and the number of stalls hired by the FPCCI. Also details of the FPCCI members and staff along with their designations who attend the exhibitions funded by FPCCI. He has also asked for details of the exhibition accounts and the name of the 4 banks and bank statement.
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