Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz inaugurated 3rd Expo Pakistan 2007 on Thursday at Karachi Expo Centre at a graceful and colourful ceremony. Talking to media, the Prime Minister said that Expo Pakistan was the most important exhibition of the country held every year in Karachi.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan, Sindh Industries Minister Adil Siddiqui, other ministers, diplomats and foreign buyers were also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the show by cutting a ribbon. He was then informed that more than 200 Pakistani companies were displaying a wide rang of products at the exhibition. The Prime Minister said, "I feel pleasure to see the range of products being displayed at the exhibition. I see a lot of improvement in the products (compared to last year). I also see potential for enhancing production".
Shaukat Aziz said that production would also be enhanced, as country's exports will increase by the passage of time. This will create more jobs and foster prosperity in the country, he noted. He said that government is pursuing a policy of creating market access for Pakistani products in USA, European Union and other country for boosting exports. "We are also negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with different countries. We have concluded FTA with China and other countries to open doors for our goods in these markets", he opined.
He said that Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the host of Expo Pakistan, is trying to arrange meetings of Pakistani exporters with the foreign buyers so that more products are exported from Pakistan.
He said that private sector has an important role in boosting country's exports, as they are the producers of exportable items, we are trying to help them in this regard, he added.
Talking of the various steps taken for improving competitiveness and productivity, Shaukat Aziz said the government has also improved working at ports and simplified procedures to ensure smooth flow of exports to different destinations and exporters should not feel difficulties.