LAHORE, June 10: The first-ever Pakistani traders' caravan to Tajikistanwas on Thursday seen off by the Punjab Industries, Commerce and Investment Minister Muhammad Ajmal Cheema at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.

Carrying material for a three-day single country 'Made in Pakistan' exhibition of Pakistani goods, the caravan will reach Dushanbe via Afghanistan in 10 days. The exhibition is scheduled to begin there from June 25. A trade delegation of 50 to 60 Pakistani businessmen led by Mian Shafqat Ali will reach Tajikistan by air before the commencement of the exhibition.

The trade delegation will set up 37 stalls for the display of goods. The goods proposed to be exhibited include medicines, disposable syringes, washing machines, fans, aluminium, steel and glassware, garments, furniture and jewellery.

A number of catalogues are also being sent to Dushanbe for display at the exhibition. Prayer mats, Holy Quran, caps and rosaries will be distributed free among the visitors to the exhibition.

Talking to newsmen before dispatching the caravan to Tajikistan, the minister said that it would open the gateway for trade between Pakistan and Central Asia.