ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: The Saarc-member countries are displaying their products at the 5th Saarc trade fair started at Dhaka ahead of the proposed summit to seek maximum markets for their products in the region.

According to an official announcement issued by the commerce ministry here on Monday, the five days fair is scheduled to end by December 31.

Exporters from Pakistan are displaying furniture, fabrics, sports goods, surgical instruments, prayer mats, pharmaceuticals and food items.

After the opening ceremony, Pakistani stalls were visited by a large number of dignitaries, diplomats, and businessmen who were impressed to see the quality of Pakistani products. Buyers are particularly being attracted by the furniture, fabric and food items.

Participants from Pakistan are receiving extremely positive response from Bangladeshi buyers.

A total of 120 stalls including 12 from Pakistan have been set up in the fair venue. Among the member states India is participating with the largest representation of 25 firms while 10 participants each from Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are representing their countries. The host country has provided display arrangements for its 65 enterprises mainly representing major business groups.

The five-day fifth Saarc trade fair was jointly inaugurated by Amir Khosru Mahmud Chodhury, Commerce Minister of Bangladesh and Indian State Minister for Commerce S. Mookherjee.

The Fair is being hosted jointly by the Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh. Six Saarc countries, except for the Maldives, are taking part in the fair to explore business potential of the region.

The Commerce Minister of Bangladesh in his inaugural address stressed the need for increased trade cooperation among the Saarc members. He said that he was confident that the event would help in strengthening the contacts among the business communities of the member states.

He referred to the positive developments taking place in the region, which would facilitate trading activities under the SAFTA arrangements. He said that he was hopeful of the new avenues to be opened in investment, joint ventures and technical collaborations.

The commerce minister of Bangladesh and India along with other dignitaries and representatives of trade bodies visited stalls, the announcement added.