Opening day: ‘Made in Pakistan’ products exhibition begins

Exhibitors expect encouraging response, but govt support is lacking.

KARACHI:

A mega exhibition of trade and commerce, ‘My Karachi – the oasis of harmony’, could not attract government’s support on its opening day on Friday as no minister from any political party turned up to grace the occasion.

However, the event generated significant interest from big and small companies which came from a variety of sectors. In spite of a slowdown in economic activities in the country and political instability in Karachi, exhibitors expect a significant number of people to turn up at the three-day exhibition from July 22 to 24.  The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is organising the event to promote ‘made in Pakistan’ products and provide small companies an opportunity to make inroads into international markets.

The exhibitors complained that in order to show a gesture of support, especially to small entrepreneurs, officials of the Sindh government should have shown interest in the exhibition.

The exhibition attracted women entrepreneurs as well, many of whom were in initial stages of their businesses. Many of these entrepreneurs set up stalls of readymade garments, handmade jewellery, handbags, gift items, etc.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a woman entrepreneur dealing in handicrafts and readymade garments said this year the facilities provided to exhibitors were better than last year and she expected more visitors to come, especially on the second and third day of the exhibition.

“Most of the dresses at my stall are not mine. A lot of them have been designed and stitched by poor but talented women who cannot afford to exhibit their work at such a platform,” she said, adding “I sell these products without any fee in an attempt to support new women entrepreneurs so that they can change their lives as I did four years ago.”

Kirpal Das, an exhibitor of readymade dresses from Tharparkar, said the exhibition had all the potential to attract a good number of buyers. “Usually, very few people visit exhibitions on Friday because of Friday prayers. We have brought new variety of embroidery this year as we expect a good number of visitors, especially on Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

This year, a new step was taken to bring the talent of Pakistani students in the limelight and they were provided a separate hall for displaying their inventions and projects. The organisers intended to support the students and highlight the soft image of the country in the current challenging times.

A large number of students exhibited their scientific projects like solar-powered cars and alternative energy production to get support of the business community and the government.

Over 10 Indonesian companies also showcased their products ranging from car tyres to handicrafts in a separate stall set up for foreign companies.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2011.