Made in K-P: Day-long exhibition aims to attract investment

Traders say peace is important to showcase cultural products

PESHAWAR: To attract foreign investors to the province, traders will hold the first-ever exhibition titled ‘Made in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’ in Islamabad to attract foreign investors. Traders, who say peace has been restored to the region, thanks to the efforts of security forces, will organise the event.

The announcement of a day-long exhibition was made during a press briefing at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI) office on Monday. It was stated that the exhibition will be inaugurated by Punjab Governor Muhammad Rafique Rajwana. Ambassadors of several important countries have expressed their interest in attending the exhibition.

Those gathered for the occasion will be addressed by K-P Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra.

 

“Despite of years of war and instability, our traders and craftsmen have maintained their craft. The rich culture and traditional handiwork must be shown to the world,” KPCCI President Zulfiqar Ali Khan said during the briefing.

He said local traders from around the province and trade chambers are also invited to bring their products to the event.

Traders said that everything made in the province will be shown to the world, with the exception of arms which will be excluded from the event.

Products of cultural importance such as the chappal, made in Peshawar and Charsadda, the famous shawls of Swat and Chitral, food products of Mardan and Charsadda as well as traditional jewellery will be on display. On the industrial front, the event will also showcase a variety of products from matches to cooking oils through 60 stalls at the one-day exhibition.

“Now that peace has been restored and the situation is returning to normal, we have to attract people,” said the KPCCI president. He added K-P has yet to achieve the status of a fully industrialised region and therefore its culture and heritage are important to promote. Along with breathtaking scenery, these factors have the potential to attract tourists.

“It will show the soft image of the province to the world,” said Zahid Shinwari, a senior trader and former KPCCI president.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2016.