All was not well last year due to political turbulence and terrorism but this year so far positive signs are there that the economic environment is improving in Pakistan. The fall in petrol prices can give the country a much needed break to break out of the shackles of disillusionment and give boom to the economy considering it can lessen the energy crisis as well. The biggest trade fair of the country Expo Pakistan 2015 this year in its ninth edition was the best organised and attended than all previous ones. Perhaps it may prove to be the first step for the quantum leap in exports.

Expo Pakistan organised by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan was formally launched in Governor’s House on February 25 in the presence of Governor Sindh Ishratul Ibad, Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir while the inauguration was done by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who also conferred best exporters awards. Expo event was held at Expo Centre in Karachi.

Expo Pakistan serves as a platform for showcasing Pakistan export merchandise and services. It has become primary sourcing point for a large number of businesses worldwide. Last year business deals worth more than USD 700 million were settled. This year business projections are tentatively estimated at USD 1.2 billion. This year nearly 1,100 foreign buyers and importers from 77 countries visited Expo Pakistan. The countries which participated included Argentina, Japan, Canada, China, Russia, USA, UK, Brazil, Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland, Australia, Ukraine, Belgium, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Columbia, Cuba, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bulgaria, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey,  Singapore, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Jordan, Paraguay, Peru, Chile, Bosnia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Panama, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan. TDAP had facilitated the guests with services of interpreters.

Overall 571 exhibitors, who are the leading exporters of Pakistan, had set up their stalls. Around 3,365 business to business (B2B) interactive initial or extensive meetings were held between the foreign buyers and the Pakistani exhibitors/manufacturers. TDAP had set up a B2B Secretariat to facilitate these meetings. The federal commerce minister, secretary commerce, CE TDAP and Secretary TDAP met with 33 country delegations led by mostly presidents of foreign trade chambers or associations.  

The exhibitors were able to get new orders or increase the volume of existing orders. The Gems and Jewellery sector was able to get orders worth USD 20 million. The big buyers from Russia contacted M/s Forward Sports and invited them to visit Russia to discuss prospects of supply of footballs for next Soccer World Cup in Russia. Other sectors in which foreign buyers showed interest included building material, services, engineering, fruits and vegetables, services, surgical and garments and textiles.

Dubai based special purpose theme based facilities is investing USD 4 billion in Dubai over 3 years. For this purpose the Dubai based developer has indicated to bring full-fledged delegation to conclude MoU for the supply of materials and manpower worth USD 1 billion over 3 years period.

Japanese companies have shown interest to invest amount worth USD 25 million in pharmaceuticals, organic food items, sports goods and sleep wears.

Dubai based company has finalized deal with Pakistani slaughter house to import meat worth AED 15 million per annum.

Another Dubai based supplier to UAE government has contracted order for purchase of uniform & Office accessories with gradual starting USD 1million and to go up to USD 10 million.

Moroccan company signed MOU with M/s. Baluchistan Wheels for supply of RIMs worth USD 1.1 million. Gems & Jeweller Trade Association of China signed an MOU with Pakistan Gems & Merchant and Jewellers Association. Another MOU was signed between M/s. Taasho Enterprises, Bangladesh and M/s. Roshan Enterprise of Pakistan for supply of fruits and vegetables worth of USD 3.36 million. A Saudi Company has signed an MOU with a Pakistani company for supply of Tents & Canvas worth of USD 6 million. A Bangladeshi firm also signed an MOU with Sialkot based firm M/s. Malik Sports worth USD 2 million. The Federation of Argentina Chamber of Commerce for Asia Pacific signed a MOU with FPCCI.

Expo Pakistan was able to present the ‘business image’ of Pakistan that had been missing last year. Holding an event of this magnitude in such a well organised manner is indeed a feat for team TDAP led by Incharge of Expo Pakistan and Expo Centre Nasir Hamid under the guidance of Chief Executive TDAP SM Muneer and Secretary TDAP Rabia Javeri Agha. Hats off to them and the security personnel for organizing an event without any untoward incident.

On the sidelines of Expo Pakistan a two-day fashion event was held at the Pearl Continental Hotel, which was a treat as well as another venue for our fashion industry and textile industry to meet serious foreign buyers. Top designers of Pakistan showcased the best of their creations on the ramp.

The shows presented fusion of Eastern and Western trends. Capsule collections dominated both shows. The designers who presented their capsule collections included Maheen Khan, Deepak Perwani, Maheen Kardar, Akif Mahmood, Nickie Nina, Rizwanullah, Sara Sublime, Faraz Manan, Arslan Iqbal, Mohsin Ali, Sana Safinaz, Sadaf Malaterre, Ahan, YBQ, Zyenub Chottani and Nida Azwer.

Those who showcased their complete collections included Zaheer Abbas, Sahar Atif, Adnan Pardesy, Maliha Raza and Usman Rehman, Ali Xeeshan, FnkAsia (Huma Adnan), Nida Tapal, Naushaba Brohi, Nauman Arfeen and Kuki Concepts. Two graduate shows of PIFD were also held. The shows were choreographed by Frieha Altaf, hair and makeup for both days was done by Sabs Salon. Backstage management by Production 021 and event managed by Catwalk Event Management & Productions and PR was taken care of by Catalyst PR & Marketing.

It was interesting to watch the international buyers and businessmen take keen interest in Pakistani fashion, which resonates well with the international trends. For those who were attending the Expo Pakistan for the first time or were visiting Pakistan for the first time it must have been an interesting experience considering the news emanating from Pakistan in the last few years that have not all been good. They were all able to see the other side of Pakistan and in fact the real face of Pakistan. Expo Pakistan was able to create the synergy in development of exports and generate economic activity. It also will generate the economic activity that would bring prosperity for Pakistan.