August 16, 2007	Thursday	Sha’aban 2, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Aug 15: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Wednesday approved a proposal for Pakistan’s participation in the forthcoming “World Expo China 2010”.

Chairing a meeting, the prime minister said the participation in expo would not only reflect Pakistan’s close relations with China, but it would also promote the Pakistani brand and increase exports and possible investments.

An official announcement issued after the meeting said Pakistan’s active participation would further strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.

China is one of few countries with which Pakistan has an FTA and our business community needs to leverage and take advantage of this facility, he added.

Mr Aziz emphasised that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) as a focal institution should ensure sizable and meaningful presence of Pakistan at the “World Expo China 2010”.

He stressed that the objective, theme and game plan of our participation should be focused and market-oriented. He further said that the Pakistan pavilion at the expo should help build the image of the country.

Earlier, TDAP Chief Executive Tariq Ikram made presentation on the proposed pavilion and said that services of professional firms would be hired to ensure proper presentation of our cultural and economic activities.