February 02, 2008	Saturday	Muharram 23, 1429

KARACHI, Feb 1: Over 500 leading foreign buyers are expected to attend the mega national event of Expo Pakistan being held from March 13 to 16 at Karachi Expo Centre.

The event is expected to improve the image of the country as a large number of visitors from different parts of the world will visit the fair which will also help promote exports.

A review meeting on progress of Expo Pakistan arrangements was held at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan on Thursday under the chairmanship of minister of state and chief executive of the TDAP, Tariq Ikram.

The minister was updated on the progress made on various activities for Expo Pakistan, including international promotion and local marketing.

Pakistani missions abroad are actively involved in approaching buyers from various trades in their respective countries and profiles of over 200 leading foreign buyers have been received.

Efforts are being made to convince the international community that Pakistan is a business-friendly country with traditional warmth and hospitality.

Official sources said that over 500 leading foreign buyers are expected to attend the fair.

During the meeting, it was also informed that to encourage participation of exhibitors, Expo teams also visited all major export cities of the country and held meetings with respective chambers, trade associations and exporters and manufacturers.