A two-day exhibition and sale of fabric, home ware, fashion wear, jewellery, carpets and gifts by Pakistan's women entrepreneurs opened at the Kensington Great Hall, Central London on Friday, and drew a big crowd, which came to see the country's wide range of products.
Titled as "From loom to Luxury," the exhibition reflected the quality of manufacturing, rooted in the rich heritage of Pakistan. It is being participated by 55 women entrepreneurs.
The visitors showed keen interest in the products, which included textiles, leather, marble, carpets, fine art crafts, herbal food, while information on travel and tourism was also available to the guests. The unusual and diverse array of products and items, not usually found in trade and business exhibitions, caught the eye of the guests drawn from the diplomatic corps, business community, students and private sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan High Commissioner Dr Maleeha Lodhi described the event as the first of its kind to be arranged in the British capital for promoting products manufactured by small and medium entrepreneurs of Pakistan. She mentioned that the two key objectives of the exhibition were to boost trade and enhance Pakistan's image by countering stereotypes. "The main purpose of this event is to secure access to the UK and European market for Pakistani women entrepreneurs," she said.
Dr Lodhi praised the entrepreneurial skills of Pakistan women, and said on display were their creative magic. "This reflects the vigour, the spirit and enterprise of the Pakistani nation .It is a fusion of traditional and modern that really defines our country," she added.
According to the High Commissioner, Pakistan is generally known in Europe as the main manufacturer of towels and bed linen, but this trade exhibition would show to the British people a wide range of other products manufactured in the South Asian country.
The idea of holding such an event was conceived by the Pakistan High Commission and has been sponsored with the active collaboration of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). She appreciated the efforts of Commercial Secretary Saira Najeeb and businesswoman Talat Wasim in making the event successful.
British women members of the Parliament Margaret Moraine, Lady Faulkner, Madeleine Moon, Sarah McClagat, Fiona McTabbit, Derry Taylor and Sara Thurber also spoke on the occasion, and praised the role of women in developing Pakistan.
They spoke about the visit to Pakistan last year, and said they found the women hard-working and eager to adapt modernity and learn new ways to change their lives for better.
The British women Mps welcomed the parliamentary elections in Pakistan and were delighted that the people were able to express their will in a fair and free manner. "The international media had portrayed Pakistan in a unhelpful light, but the elections have clearly changed this perception and we look forward to a new era in the Pakistan," they said.
They also lauded the role of the High Commissioner in highlighting the achievements of her country women. Noted BBC TV newscaster Mishal Hussein compered the opening ceremony. A fashion show of leading Pakistani designers was also held on the occasion.