The Expo-2005, the largest trade show to be held in Karachi, will provide an opportunity to showcase the country's quality products in an effective fashion and help boost our exports by attracting foreign buyers. "The importers from abroad will not only have a look on the products to be displayed in Expo but will also witness the peaceful environment to carry out their business activities", said Secretary Commerce, Tasneem Noorani while talking to APP here on Monday.
He said "The Expo will also help improve Pakistan's image as a peaceful, safe and progressive country, striving for poverty alleviation and uplift of its people".
The Commercial officers posted abroad have been asked to accompany the delegations of their respective countries to facilitate them, he added.
To a question, the Commerce Secretary said, "We want to engage all foreign buyers so that there is no restriction on displaying of production".
However, he said, the items of Textile, Leather, Surgical goods, Sports goods, Fruit and Vegetables, Gem stones and Marble industry will be prominent among the items to be displayed in the Exhibition.
He said, there is very enthusiastic response from abroad and we are expecting 600 serious buyers and overseas traders in the Expo.
Replying to another question, Tasneem Noorani said, the country has recorded a significant increase in imports during the last six months, adding, but it was due to heavy imports of Chemicals, Machinery and Oil products, showing enhanced economic activities.
Elaborating, he said, additional imports of $1.85 billion include $1 billion of oil imports whereas Chemical and Machinery have the share of $400 million and $450 million, respectively.