KARACHI, Aug 3: The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in 2001-2002 organized and participated in 46 foreign exhibitions for exports promotion of various products to traditional and non-traditional markets, official figures said. The bureau had incurred around Rs232.508 million for holding and organizing these exhibitions where 641 exhibitors displayed their products. It was encouraging to see that 116 new comers and 17 lady entrepreneurs also participated in the exhibitions.

The EPB held 12 general, 11 textile and five food exhibitions in foreign countries. Besides, four, each of stationery, carpet, footwear and auto parts were organized or participated. Similarly, four exhibitions of sports goods and four of surgical goods were also held, while two of leather, two of gems and jewellry and two of furniture were participated.

According to country wise breakup the Germany top the list where highest number of 12 exhibitions organized or participated by the EPB, followed by the US eight, UK three, Hong Kong, China, Dubai and Belgium each two. Furthermore, the bureau organized 15 exhibitions in 15 different countries.

Germany exhibitions attracted 281 exhibitors followed by the US 74, Mauritius 32, Bangladesh 30, China 25, Iraq 23, UK and Belgium 20 each.

For the first time the EPB attempted to explore non-traditional market in Africa and Middle East and also participated or organized exhibitions in countries like Iraq, Libya, etc.

The bureau sent 22 delegations on promotional and explorative trips to foreign countries. The highest number of delegates were belonged to general products, following by textile, food and furniture.

On the other hand only nine foreign trade delegations paid visit to Pakistan during FY-2001-02, and they belonged to Syria, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Nepal, UK, Belgium and Iraq.

Despite the fact that huge funds had been spent on setting up of Expo Centre, Karachi, but the EPB has failed to make proper use of the centre and only organized one local show of general products where SAARC member states participated.