March 02, 2008	Sunday	Safar 23, 1429

ISLAMABAD, March 1: Branding and aggressive marketing endeavours are vital to compete and capture the attention of international market which would help increase exports for a sustainable economy.

Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Tanvir Ahmed Sheikh expressed these views in a meeting with Canada-Pakistan Business Council President Andy Merchant who called on him here on Saturday.

He said that genuine and quality products of Pakistan were famous the world over and export of these product could be increased through branding and aggressive marketing endeavours.

Besides textiles, the country had plenty of other products like rice, sports goods, surgical instruments and lather products to be exported, he said.

Sheikh said that trade between Pakistan and Canada had increased by 250 per cent in the past five years, but the balance was in favour of Canada.

Major portion of trade covered canola and oil seed which were highly expensive, he informed.

The FPCCI president stressed upon the Pakistani entrepreneurs and Canada-Pakistan business Council to gear up their efforts to fill the gap of vast difference in balance of payments.

“We need to adopt modern international trends and enhance marketing of branded Pakistani products,” he added.

Mr Andy Merchant suggested that a delegation of businessmen should visit Canada and the council would arrange their meetings with local entrepreneurs and facilitate in promotion of Pakistani products.

Former FPCCI president S M Munir, Pakistan-Canada Business Council of FPCCI president Haroon Rashid and FPCCI Secretary General MA Lodhi were present. —APP