Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan has urged the Pakistani exporters to maintain the quality of their products for retaining the competitive edge and at the same time diversify their markets to access non-traditional areas as well.
The High Commissioner made these remarks while visiting Pakistani stalls at the annual Spring Fair being held at the National Exhibition Centre in UK's second largest city. This is for the first time that Pakistan is participating in the Spring Fair which is considered an important event for the promotion of business and trade in the UK.
Visiting the various stalls, the High Commissioner discussed with the exhibitors the significance of fairs and exhibitions for the promotion of Pakistani exports. Forty-nine countries from around the world are participating in the five-day event with 3,000 stalls displaying a wide range of products.
Noting the quality of Pakistani products, Hasan praised the skills of craftsmen and said it was imperative to maintain the high standard to attract customers and clients. "We see it as a major international marketing campaign which will give the Pakistani exporters an opportunity to meet thousands of high-spending retailers from all corners of the UK and thousands from overseas and will be sourcing many new leads bringing in significant business," the High Commissioner said.
He was accompanied by Consul General of Pakistan in Manchester Mohammad Arif, Minister Community Welfare Salim Kiyani, Commercial Secretary Saira Najeeb and Commercial Secretary, Manchester, Mohammad Hamid Ali. Pakistan's participation at the fair was made possible with the collaboration of Economic and Trade Division, Pakistan High Commission and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Apart from many other products being exhibited, the main highlights were the arts, furniture and lighting, home furnishings, textiles and interior accessories, jewellery, leather gifts, luggage, handbags and belts, gifts and toys and house wares.
Hamid Ali told newsmen that Pakistan primarily focussed on the promotion of Jewellery and Textile sectors this time as keen interest was shown by the exporters of these products to participate in the event. Around 10 stalls of both jewellery and textile exhibiting the exclusive collection of the exporters were on display and evoked lot of attention from the participants.
Earlier the High Commissioner addressed a very large gathering of Pakistani community settled in Birmingham and discussed country's position in the context of regional and global issues. He urged the community to enhance trade relations between the two countries.