Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has directed that the government's immediate focus should be on building an Expo-cum-Display Centre in Islamabad and identifying new land for the Quetta Expo Centre as part of a plan to create a nationwide network of modern trade facilities.
According to an official statement released on Thursday, the instructions were given during a briefing by the CEO of Pakistan Expo Centre (Private) Limited at the Ministry of Commerce. The presentation outlined plans for small-scale Expo and Display Centres across all provinces to strengthen industry, boost exports, and expand trade opportunities.
The minister said the top priority is an Expo-cum-Display Centre in Islamabad to provide a world-class venue in the capital. He suggested potential locations within the Pakistan Sports Complex, where existing facilities could save time and cost.
The second priority is new land for the Quetta Expo Centre, ideally near the airport for easy access by foreign visitors and investors.
The CEO said initial designs would be prepared under an open bid model, with construction dependent on funding through the Export Development Fund (EDF), Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), or PC-1 approval. Letters have already been sent to all four provincial governments and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to identify land parcels. Sialkot and Faisalabad have offered sites, while proposals from Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Quetta are under review.
Plans include multipurpose halls in secondary cities for exhibitions, business delegations, and industrial events. International expo models, including German practices, are being studied for flexible designs.
The meeting also discussed forming a new Board of Directors for Pakistan Expo Centre (Private) Limited to improve governance and execution.
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