KARACHI, Dec 28: Ten ambulances will be deployed at key points across the city to tackle any emergency in traffic jams because of the extreme security measures to be taken during the first week of February when about 500 to 1,000 high-profile foreign businessmen and senior government officials are expected to be here to attend the Expo-2005, being held from February 2 to 5.

"The Expo-2005 is a mega event of the country in which we invite top businessmen and senior officials from around the world to promote our exports,'' Tariq Ikram, a State Minister and Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau told a press conference here on Tuesday.

For the protection of the foreign guests, the government would take all precautionary and security measures which may hinder a smooth flow of traffic. "In the event of any emergency in such circumstances, the ambulances will take any patient stuck up in the traffic jam to the nearest hospital,'' he explained.

He said that he was aware of the hardship and difficulties the people of Karachi might face due to the measures. "But these are unavoidable for country's progress,'' he pleaded.

"It is not a nightmare experience,'' he said in response to a remark by a journalist who complained that any VIP descending this city brought a great deal of hardship and difficulties to the people of this city.

Tariq Ikram said visitors of the Expo-2005 would be of three categories. The first category is of the high-profile state guests, the second category of the special guests, mainly top businessmen of their respective countries and executives of major departmental stores, and the third category is of the general guests (buyers and media personalities).

The EPB chairman said that as many as 250 foreign guests have been lined up so far, and hoped that some 40-60 businessmen from China, 40 from France, 20-25 from Japan and 20 from Germany would be coming.

During President Musharraf's visit to three Latin American countries - Mexico, Brazil and Argentina -- 10 to 12 leading business personalities from each of these countries had promised to come to Pakistan. Mr Ikram said that he was going to Saudi Arabia, UAE and USA next month to line up more visitors.

In reply to a question, he said, a sum of Rs150 million was being spent on the Expo-2005, adding that Rs90 million would come from private sponsors whereas the government was providing the rest.

"We expect all those who matter in business in their respective countries to attend Expo-2005 and they go back as Pakistan's envoys to their homes,'' he said. Mr Ikram said that as much as 60 per cent of the 6,500 cubic metre space at the exhibition had already been booked. "It is a pretty good response,'' he answered when asked whether exporters were reluctant to book stalls at the exhibition.

He also gave a brief idea of the expansion project of the Expo Centre. He said two more exhibition halls were being constructed. "There are plans to construct an auditorium having a seating capacity of 1,000 and a hotel.

Two flyovers will be constructed to give direct entry and exit to cars and vehicles to the exhibition halls. There are plans to construct two petrol pumps and a fast-food restaurant.''

In reply to another question, he said that the EPB had finalized arrangements with the PIA and Saudi airlines for air shipment of about 2,300 tons of left-over balance of the seven categories of textile quotas for USA. He said the shipment would be made during January 1-20 period.

Responding to an observation that Pakistan's exports had started showing a declining trend since September and could have an impact on the perceptions of the visitors to the Expo-2005, he said the time was then very appropriate to take up export promotional activity.

Since 9/11, Pakistani exporters have been facing difficulties in getting business visa and foreigners are reluctant to visit Pakistan. The EPB has, therefore, stepped up activities to promote exports. "We now participate in 80 international fairs every year as against 25 to 30 a year till a few years back,'' Mr Ikram said.