2ND EDITION OF CII’S MADE IN PAKISTAN FAIR HIT WITH CONSUMERS
60 stalls from the heart of Pakistan showcase a wide product profile
Chandigarh : Sanjay Pahwa :
The 2nd edition of CII Made in Pakistan started off here today with huge fanfare. Cherishing the bonds and cultures from across the border, the exclusive show was inaugurated by Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, at Himachal Bhawan today.
Applauding CII’s initiative to take a step forward to strengthen ties between the countries through this exclusive showcase from Pakistan, Mr Bansal said that the 2nd edition of the show is itself a testimony to the huge fan fare of the show in India and demand for Pakistani products. He was accompanied by Mr RM Khanna, Past Chairman CII NR, Mr Vikram Hans, Chairman, CII Chandigarh, Mr Nitin Peshawaria, Past Chairman CII Chandigarh, and other senior CII members
“It’s a great pleasure to see that our trade counterparts are as enthusiastic about doing business with India. There is potential for bilateral trade to go up to an estimated $6.5 billion from the current $2 billion. Cross-border trade requires the uninhibited movement of people and investments and both the countries are working towards increasing potential trade dynamics and economic activities”, the Minister said. “Whatever is spend on defence can be spent on trade, is what the minister stressed upon.
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Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Science and Technology and Earth Sciences inaugurating ‘Made in Paksistan’ |
Reiterating the same sentiment, Mr Khurshid Balras, CEO, Pakistan World Trade & Promotions said, “Astonishingly, but true, major part of Pakistan’s current export goes to the European Union and US. Presently only 5.5 % of the Pakistan trade is done with SAARC counties, which stand a potential to improve it by 10% due to commonalities in cultures and needs of the people in SAARC countries. CII shows like these pave way towards making this possible and give an opportunity for improving both business and people linkages.”
The countries like India, Maldives, Indonesia, Nepal & Sri Lanka are seen as potential markets for Pakistan exports, India taking the maximum share out of all. Further detailing about the 2nd edition, Mr Balras said that the 2nd edition has acted as an extension to promote people to people contact between the two countries sharing similar culture and traditional ethos with two successful shows in Chandigarh & Jaipur.
More than 48 exhibitors from Pakistan taking up 60 stalls have displayed their wide array of products as compared to 43 last time in Chandigarh.
“Going by the exquisite taste of the buyers of Chandigarh, and on popular demand during the last shows, the fair presents an exclusive range of products from almost all regions of Pakistan including garments and embroidered fabric from Multan, Karachi and Lahore, ethnic footwear from Lahore and Multan, exclusive handicrafts from Swat Peshawar, shimmering range of décor products from Karachi, carved rosewood furniture from Peshawar, and designer melamine from Gujranwala and rich dry fruits and onyx. So the discerning buyers of Chandigarh and satellite towns have a lot on the platter to choose”, informed Mr Balras.
Not to left behind, the exquisite Pakistani delicacies like kababs and phirni, straight from the Anarkali Bazar are all set in the food court to tickle the gourmet Indian taste buds, added Mr Balras.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vikram Hans, Chairman, CII Chandigarh said "The CII Made in Pakistan presents a responsible platform for interaction amongst the two communalities. Under the umbrella of CII, the coming together of varied product and services on such a magnificent scale from the heart of Pakistan will surely help in creating new spaces for people to people bonding. The intrinsic desire to reach out to fellow brethren across the border further augments the trade prospects with our neighbors. "
Going by the response on the opening day, weekends are expected to be really rushy at the Fair. Drawing the tradition and culture of Pakistan through range of products that speaks volumes for the craftsmanship and ethnicity are on display from 10 am to 8 pm till 3 May 2011.