KARACHI, Jan 17: Over 600 foreign visitors, including dignitaries and business leaders from 83 countries, are expected to participate in the first ever mega event - Expo Pakistan 2005 - being held on February 2-5.
The objective of this economic event is to improve the image of the country by providing foreign delegates an opportunity to have first-hand knowledge about the last four years' economic progress.
The law and order problems over the last few years have tarnished the image of the country, but now the situation has started improving and this will be brought to the knowledge of foreign investors who have been reluctant to come to Pakistan.
Briefing reporters at a press conference, Export Promotion Bureau Chairman Tariq Ikram said that nine sub-committees, private sector trade bodies and the Sindh government had extended support for the success of this event.
He said the event was expected to provide wide opportunity to local and foreign businessmen to enhance their working and business relations and make joint ventures, franchising of brands and cooperation at different levels in the free market era of textiles and clothing.
Mr Ikram said during his visits to Mexico, Argentina, Morocco, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Dubai, roadshows were held. He also met leaders and leading businessmen of these countries.
He said the Saudi commerce minister had also promised to visit Pakistan with a large delegation, but due to his already arranged schedule the minister would be coming after the expo on February 7. Similarly, he said a leading Saudi group engaged in fruits and vegetables trade was keen to set up facilities in Pakistan for onward export of apple, mangoes, grapes and kinnoo.
Another Saudi group, he said, was keen to set up a unit in Pakistan for the production of surgical and hospital furniture. He said two Saudi groups had also shown their interest in setting up of auto and auto parts units.
The EPB chairman said he also met Saudi prince Al-Waleem Bin Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. The Saudi prince informed the EPB chief that about 10 years ago he was planning to invest in Pakistan, but due to rampant corruption the plan was dropped.
Mr Ikram assured the prince that now there was a marked change in Pakistan and suggested prince Talal to open a five or even seven star hotel in Pakistan or go for dairy farming, including milk production and exports. The prince was also suggested to invest in tourism industry.
The EPB chief said that around 80 per cent of Saudis whom he met agreed to come to the Expo Pakistan 2005. He said they also assured investments in different areas of economy.
About his visit to the US, Mr Ikram said a leading carpet importer and owner of chain store ABC Carpet had also promised to visit Pakistan. He said the chain store imported around 25 per cent of its stocks from Pakistan.
He said a consultant firm had agreed to provide assistance in brand names for textile garments and also promote their trade. The Association for Specialized Food, which imports such foods from all overt the world, is ready to collaborate and is expected to participate in the event. Access Investment Group is ready to set up windmills in Pakistan based on aero-technology, he adds.
The Textile Association of Los Angels, which had been the strongest supporter of local textile industry and gave strong resistance to imports, after initial refusal finally agreed to collaborate and provide assistance in industrial development and training of manpower in Pakistan.
