KARACHI, July 28: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) must explore new markets to boost the country's exports. This was stated by FPCCI President Tanvir Ahmed Sheikh at a meeting of the standing committee of Fairs and Exhibitions held at Federation House on Saturday.

He urged the committee members to explore new markets by participating in exhibitions and fairs worldwide.

He noted that fairs and exhibitions were the modern tools for promoting country's exports and for projecting the export potential in the international market.

He appreciated the efforts of the committee and emphasised that the participants of trade fairs should concentrate on long-term business, which is the real objective. On this occasion Tariq Sayeed, the former president of FPCCl said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan should provide subsidy to all trade bodies, including the FPCCI on all allocated fairs and exhibitions.

Earlier, Chairman of the committee Farooq Ahmed Sheikh said that the FPCCI will participate in a large number of fairs and exhibitions during 2007-08 which have been allocated by the TDAP.

He said that the FPCCl was coordinating with the TDAP and will follow its guidelines and ensure transparency in the entire process of fairs and provide all possible assistance to the participants for achieving fruitful results.

He said that special incentives will be given to new exporters, SMEs, women entrepreneurs and manufacturers of remote areas who want to export their goods as a direct exporter.

Tanvir Sheikh also distributed cheques of subsidy amongst the participants of IITF-2005. —APP