Pakistan Pursuing Policy of Creating New Markets for Exports: PM  
By Samina Qureshi 'Pakistan Times' Sindh Bureau Chief

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday inaugurated the 3rd Expo Pakistan 2007 at a graceful and colourful ceremony.

Talking to media, the Prime Minister said that Expo Pakistan was the most important exhibition of the country held every year in Karachi.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan, Sindh Industries Minister Adil Siddiqui and other ministers as well as diplomats and foreign buyers were also present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the show by cutting a ribbon. He was informed by the CEO Pegasus Aasim Siddiqui that more than 200 Pakistani companies were displaying a wide rang of products at the exhibition.

Talking of the importance of Expo Pakistan, he said hundreds of foreign buyers visit this mega exhibition to see the production capacity of Pakistan.

“I feel pleasure to see the range of products being displayed at the exhibition. I see a lot of improvement in the products compared to last year.

I also see potential for enhancing production”, he added.

Shaukat Aziz said that production will also be enhanced as country’s exports will increase by the passage of time. This will create more jobs and foster prosperity in the country, he noted.

He said that the government was pursuing a policy of creating market access for Pakistani products in USA, European Union and other country for boosting exports. “We are also negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with different countries. We have concluded FTA with China and negotiating with other countries to open doors for our goods in these markets”, he opined.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the host of Expo Pakistan, was trying to arrange meetings of Pakistani exporters with the foreign buyers so that more products are exported from Pakistan, he said.

The Prime Minister said exports foster growth as well as development in any country. This is the reason the government is working very hard for enhancing exports by injecting resources and putting up efforts.

He said that the private sector has an important role in boosting country’s exports as they are the producers of exportable items.

“We are trying to help them in this regard,” he added.

Talking of the various steps taken for improving competitiveness and productivity, Shaukat Aziz said the government has also improved working at ports and simplified procedures to ensure smooth flow of exports to different destinations and to facilitate exporters.

He pointed out that exports have played a vital role in the development of developed countries. Export will also play a key role in Pakistan’s development as well, he added.●