19 February 2004	Thursday	27 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: Industries Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi, on Wednesday inaugurated first ever, Pakistan single country exhibition in Bahrain. Members of royal family, ministers, dignitaries, businessmen , diplomats and overwhelming majority of Pakistani expatriates were present in the ceremony.

The colourful ceremony was followed by visit to the pavilions by the minister who was accompanied by Minister of Electricity, Shaikh Abdullah bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Commander, National Guard, Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Minister of State Abdulnabi Al Shoala, Pakistani Ambassador, diplomats of friendly countries and other dignitaries as well as businessmen.

Pakistani products were immensely admired by the public. Some good contacts were also made by the interesting parties, says a report received from Bahrain on Wednesday.

Special gathering was arranged by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Mr Ibrahim Muhammad Zanil of BCCI presided over the meeting and briefed the Minister about the history, viability and policies of the chamber.

They proposed and stressed the formation of Joint Trade Council. Bahrain side recommended that Pakistan should formulate ten-member committee from Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Bahrain would constitute equal number of members in their Chamber to form private trade council. Agreeing with Bahrain side Mr Jatoi said that private sector must be involved in bilateral trade. -APP