The Hannover Fair 2006 came to a resounding close on Friday, April 28, 2006, with Pakistani exhibitors expressing complete satisfaction over their participation. Numerous companies bagged business orders, and availed opportunities from European markets. Total 60 Pakistani exhibitors took part in the fair held here from April 24-28, 2006.
Being better prepared to do business in the international market this year, Pakistan's exhibitors displayed maturity and professional acumen, which resulted in the companies securing business orders and opportunities from Germany and other European countries.
Imtiaz A Rastgar, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Engineering Development Board (EDB), commenting on the success of Pakistan's exhibitors, said, "The engineering sector in Pakistan has proven that, given the opportunity, Pakistani companies can compete in the international markets and become part of the global supply chain.
We met Presidents of various world famous companies in the European Union, including the President of the Federation of German Industries, and have signed MOUs for technical agreements, joint ventures and technical collaborations."
Rumi Moiz, Managing Director, Research & Development Engineering Company, manufacturer of precision engineering parts in Pakistan, said the company was overwhelmed with the response it received this year. "It has been a dream come true. The company that we have been benchmarking since last tear to emulate came to us to do business with our company! We are also moving on to Holland to continue negotiations with three others companies and sign an MOU with one of them."
Farhan Junejo, Pakistan's Commercial Counsellor in Germany, said that the Pakistan delegation made a positive impact at the Hannover Messe 2006. "With this rate of success, there should be no looking back. We have to sustain our presence here and continue to take part progressively so that Pakistan's industry gets its deserved recognition in the engineering sector. I was happy to be part of the team that did an excellent job with the arrangements at the Pakistan pavilion."
Pakistan's leading manufacturers of CNG dispensing machines, Tesla Industries' Aamir Hussain said, "We, too, have received very good response from international companies.
It is quite visible that international organisations and European companies are beginning to recognise the potential for outsourcing engineering manufactured components, parts and equipment to Pakistani companies."
Nabeel Hashmi, Chairman of Business Development Group (BDG), in his closing remarks to the exhibitors at the final debriefing, said, "I would like to congratulate each and every exhibitor, as well as delegates, for projecting an excellent image of Pakistan here in Germany. We made a positive impact in the international business community and were able to secure substantial business orders and enquiries.
"Hannover is not a one-time attempt; we have to be here for years to make a difference; we have made a start and, Insha 'Allah, we will be one of the leading industrialised nations of the world in the near future. I would also like to thank all members of the organising committee for their hard work and sincere efforts."
The main Pakistan Pavilion made an overwhelming impact in the 'Subcontracting Hall'. Pakistani exhibitors were also present in the Power Generation and Factory Automation halls. Visitors poured in large numbers and conducted business in a professional environment.
They appreciated the hospitality of the Pakistani team at the pavilion.
Pakistan participated at the Hannover Messe 2006 with a delegation of 220 people from the engineering sector, including some members of academia and media. Led by Jahangir Khan Tareen, Minister for Industries, Production & Special Initiatives, Imtiaz Rastgar, Vice Chairman and CEO, Engineering Development Board (EDB), and Nabeel Hashmi, Chairman of the Business Development Group (BDG-EDB), the Pakistan delegation had several bilateral and joint venture partnership meetings with counterparts in Germany and from various international companies.-PR