Expo Pakistan to attract 350 foreign buyers

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Parvaiz Ishfaq Rana
KARACHI, Oct 25: Expo Pakistan 2008 is expected to attract around 350 foreign buyers and visitors form 45 countries, including US, UK, Canada, Japan and Middle East.

Individuals, business houses, corporate and representatives from trade bodies would be attending the show form these countries, official sources said.

The four-day mega event, starting from Oct 27, will be a showcase for a large number of local exhibitors who would be displaying a large range of their products.

Measures have been completed to ensure security for the event and foreign visitors.

Commerce Minister Ahmed Mukhtar will be inaugurating the trade fair in the morning and on the same day Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad will host a dinner in honor of foreign dignitaries.

Sources said that foreign buyers have started arriving and around 332 have confirmed their visit to Expo Pakistan 2008.

There will 174 foreign buyers who would be state guests and their all sorts of expenditures, including air travel ticket, hotel room and other courtesies, will be fully paid by the government of Pakistan.

Strict criteria has been laid down for those who would be enjoying the status of state guests.

According to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the organizor of the event, for availing the status of state guest the foreign buyer or visitor must have a business turnover of over $10 million and imports to the tune of $5 million.In the other category of foreign visitors belonging to SMEs, the visitors must have a potential to import, having a turnover of $5million and import volume of $1 million. They are being paid for their hotel room and courtesies which includes protocol and transport.

Similarly, visitors from non-traditional markets, such as Africa, CIS, etc., having a business turnover of $1 million imports or less than dollar one million will also get free hotel room and courtesies.

The TDAP has made a comprehensive document for getting full information about the status of each foreign visitor.

The commercial consular had been given the task to get the relevant information and fill the document giving company, buyer or trade profile, etc.

Sources said that 400 local exhibitors will be displaying a large range of products, starting from food items, pharmaceuticals, engineering, surgical goods, sports and leather goods, textile, home and decor, information technology, services (pavilion and clubs), handicrafts, etc.

The display of products at the Expo Pakistan 2008 being held at Karachi Expo Centre will stay throughout the four days of the exhibition but general visitors have been given two days Oct 29 and 30.

Local trade visitors are allowed to visit on Oct 27 and 28 and will have to get their tickets from gate 2 opposite SSGC building on paying Rs200 and presenting their ID cards and business cards.

http://www.dawn.com/2008/10/26/ebr6.htm