By NNN-APP
Colombo : Vibrancy and excellence seem to be the key words as Colombo prepares for its Pakistan single-country exhibition, probably the largest Pakistan exhibition to be held in Colombo, opens on Friday, January 11.
Aiming to diversify the existing patterns of bilateral trade the exhibition will feature “one hundred Pakistani companies, representing twenty five trade sectors,” said Pakistan High Commissioner, Shahzad A. Chaudhry at the media launch recently held in Colombo.
The trade potential between the two countries is evident in the volume of trade between the two countries in the recent years, he noted.
Consequent to the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which came into effect in 2005, trade between the two countries has significantly increased.
While total trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has increased from USD 146 million in 2003-4, to USD 264 million in 2006-7, exports from Pakistan have doubled from USD 97.8 million to 200.7 million during the period.
However, “the true potential for bilateral trade and commerce can only be availed if business communities on both sides are willing to explore new possibilities in this endeavour,” he said.
While Expo-Pakistan 2007, where a 63 member Sri Lankan business delegation attended and ‘My Karachi’ fair in June 2007 where about 35 Sri Lankan companies participated were significant milestones strengthening the trade from Sri Lanka, “The successful visit of a multi-sector business delegation from Pakistan to Sri Lanka in September 2007 was another significant step from Pakistan side,” he said.
He cited the Pakistan Trade Exhibition 2008, as an exhibition that would provide “tremendous opportunities to local companies on both sides to explore each others market and share excellence of their work and experience.”
The exhibition jointly organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the High Commission for Pakistan in Colombo will cover many novel business sectors including auto and auto parts, construction material, surgical instruments, hospital equipment, pharmaceutical machinery, home appliances, cutlery and kitchenware, cosmetics and leather garments.
The exhibition is scheduled to be held from January 11 to 13 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre in Colombo.