KARACHI, Dec 14: Minister for Commerce Humayun Akhtar Khan has asked the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to go for outsourcing by hiring services of event managers and also immediately contact foreign missions to arrange foreign buyers’ visit for the mega event ‘Expo Pakistan-2007’.

The minister, who chaired the first meeting of the steering committee for Expo Pakistan at the TDAP head office here on Thursday, formed some committees. It was decided that these committees will finalise their reports and findings to be presented in the second steering committee meeting to be held on January 12, 2007.

The committees comprise officials from the TDAP and representatives from the private sector.

The minister said that though the budget for the expo had not been fixed but around 40 to 60 per cent funds are to be raised by the sponsors and the balance is provided by the government. This is going to be third successive mega event after it made its debut in the year 2005.

Mr Khan hoped that this will give an opportunity to the SMEs to inter- act with foreign buyers directly and assured that these sectors will get special attention in the expo 2007. He agreed with a questioner that organising expo was the responsibility of the government but out-sourcing of event managers has been allowed in order to blend public-private sectors’ efforts.

The minister said that display of country’s economic profile will be one of the special events of the expo.

He further said that President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz take keen interest in Pakistan expos.

While talking to newsmen after the conclusion of the meeting the minister said that the World Bank and IMF reports had appreciated Pakistan’s economic achievements. This could also be verified from the successful launch of Euro Bonds and GDRs in London, he added.

Responding to a query he said that the new trade ordinance had been approved by the cabinet and is presently lying with the prime minister for approval. He said the new ordinance or act will replace the 1996 Trade Ordinance and has been prepared by Justice (rtd) Saleem Akhtar.

He further said that all the stakeholders, including trade bodies were consulted in the drafting of the new ordinance. The women entrepreneurs will get more support in the new ordinance and it will also give a fillip to research and development.

Chairman Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (Plgmea) Fawad Ijaz raised objection over the date of holding the Expo. He said that during this period most businessmen in leather trade would be busy in Hong Kong fair, an important event for their product.

Consequently, the minister did not announce the date for holding the expo, but said it may be held by end February or early March next year.

Other steering committee members, who attended the meeting included Chief Executive TDAP Tariq Ikram, Sindh Minister for industries Adil Siddiqui, KCCI president Majyd Aziz and Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association chairman Shabir Ahmed.