March 16, 2006	Thursday	Safar 15, 1427

KARACHI, March 15: The Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India has reserved a larger space this year to exhibit products of its member companies in the co-located show of Foodtech and PPP being held from May 9 to 12, at the Karachi Expo centre.

The four-day exhibition has already received reservations from 100 companies representing 13 countries, including China, Singapore, the UAE, Turkey and Austria. Keen interest being shown by foreign exhibitors indicates business opportunities in the country.

The Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association has reserved hall No.3 for its members to exhibit their products. Delegates of the Turkish Plastic Industry Association will also be visiting the show.

According to official figures, during the first half (July-Dec) of the current fiscal year, the import bill of consumer goods increased by 44.57 per cent to $857 million as compared to $592.897 million in the same period last year, says a press release.