Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro has underlined the need to hold more industrial and trade exhibitions abroad to promote a softer image of the country. He was addressing a ceremony held by Agog International, a local company, organising "Pak-US trade show" from November 8-10 in New Jersey, US.
US Consul General in Lahore Brian Heath, Agog Chief Executive Tahira Asif, Pak-US Business Council Chairman Iftikhar Ali Malik, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Senior Vice President Sohail Lashari, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) representative Mahmood Ahmad and others also spoke on the occasion.
Soomro said the concept of holding exhibitions and fairs was an excellent way to introduce products in any market, besides bringing people and nations closer.
He termed the upcoming trade show "as very good beginning to interact with one of the largest markets". "Our items can make inroads into the US market where we already have a good share. The show will be helpful in conveying the edge our products enjoy," he said.
The Senate chairman assured the businessmen and the organisers of such events of full support from the government in their efforts to explore maximum opportunities to enhance country's exports.
He agreed with the idea of speakers that plenty of opportunities for investment existed in Pakistan. He said the representatives of 23 US companies had recently attended an exhibition in Karachi despite a travel advisory, indicating Pakistan had a tremendous potential, he said.
Brian Heath said that large opportunities of business and investment existed in Pakistan. Recently, he said, a business delegation from the US visited Pakistan, which showed US companies were looking towards this South Asian country.
He said negotiations were going on at the government level to reach a bilateral investment treaty. He said they would encourage businessmen to take advantage of such trade shows in the US.