The "Lifestyle Pakistan" exhibition organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) received marvellous response from Indians who rushed to the venue to buy Pakistani brands.
The event was jointly inaugurated on April 12, 2012 by the Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, Pakistan Secretary Commerce, Chief Executive TDAP Tariq Iqbal Puri and High Commissioner of Pakistan to India Shahid Malik. The exhibition is talk of the town due to innovative Pakistan-made products displayed at the stalls set by the top hundred brands of the country. The exhibition not only received impressive response from the Indian media but also from the general public where notables of the country including Manika Ghandi daughter-in-law of former Prime Minister Indira Ghandi visited the venue and shopped Pakistani textile products.
Talking to TDAP Chief Executive Tariq Iqbal Puri, Manika appreciated the exhibition and the quality of Pakistani products, saying that Pakistan would arrange more such exhibitions. The exhibitors were also pleased with the response they received from the Indian public and demanded extension in the duration of the exhibition. "Our sale is very good but at the same time expenses are also on the higher side. The government should extend the duration of the exhibition for at least four days", said Rehan, an exhibitor while talking to Business Recorder.
The brands like Gul Ahmad is ruining out of stocks due to high demand and asking its Delhi based distributors to supply their stocks at the exhibition stalls so that the customers visiting the stalls are not disappointed. "Indian public response is very encouraging. We are very much satisfied with the business in the exhibition", said Bashir Ali Mohammed, chairman Gul Ahmad in a chat with Business Recorder. Pakistani foods were served at the exhibition where huge rush was witnessed, especially at the stalls of Nehari, Biryani, Tikkas and fish. Families thronged to the spot and showed keen interest in Lahori foods.
Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim on Saturday visited the exhibition and went to different stalls and asked the exhibitors about the response from the public. He was told that they are satisfied with the response and proposed more such events to promote Pakistani brands. All the exhibitors appreciated TDAP for organising such an amazing mega event for the first time in the India.