ISLAMABAD: The launching ceremony of the forthcoming ‘Made in Pakistan Products Exhibition 2010’ was held on Thursday in Rawalpindi. ‘Made in Pakistan, Products Exhibition 2010’ will be held in Kathmandu (Nepal) from May 12 to 16 to promote bilateral trade between the two countries besides promoting Pakistan branded products in that market.

The exhibition has been organized by Pak World Trade and Expo Centre with an aim to lead industrialists, manufacturers, organizations, individuals and the country to export-oriented trade.

Announcing the launching of the exhibition at a function here, CO, Pak World Trade and Expo Centre, Khurshid Barlas said that the centre has recently organized similar exhibition at Chindigarh, India and at Pakistan Pavilion at Dhaka international Trade Fair, which he said had received tremendous response. He said that more than 65 companies and 125 members of delegation from different chambers of commerce are scheduled to participate in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Nepal Embassy, Bala B.  Kunwar, said that although Pakistan and Nepal were enjoying cordial relations, however the trade relations between the two countries were very nominal. He urged upon the private sector to explore the trade potential and exploit it for the benefit of both the countries.

He said that Pakistan was producing quality products, however it needed to market these with its own brand. He also lauded Pakistan for helping Nepal in manpower development. He expressed the hope that the exhibition would help promote trade relations between the two countries and enhance trade volume.

Speaking on the occasion, Acting High Commissioner, Bangladesh, M. Mahfuz ur Rehman stressed the need for enhancing trade relations among the SAARC countries. He urged upon the member countries to rectify the SAARC Free Trade Agreement for the promotion of trade in the region.

He said that the exhibition would not only help promote business to business relations but also people to people contacts.

President Rawalpindi Chamber of  Commerce and Industry, Kashif Shabbir while speaking on the occasion stressed the need for promoting Pakistani brand in the international market. He said that the country was producing quality products however due to lack of brands it had to suffer great losses in terms of currency.

Chancellor, National Institute of Cultural Studies (Lok Virsa) Rauf Khalid, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of the exhibition.