By Favour Nnabugwu
The annual Expo Pakistan  contributes over N750 ($50million)  million to the economy of Pakistan even as the country prepares for the sixth edition titled   Expo 2011.

The 6th Expo Pakistan is scheduled from February 25_28, 2011 and is used by the government to  promote Pakistan’s exports by entering into free trade agreements with other countries.

Over 600 exhibitors and 700 visitors  are expected from around the world to participate in  the three_day exhibitions.
Vanguard findings revealed that businesses  generated from the annual expo each year is well over US$ 50 million with over 60 Memorandum of Understandings signed; 600 buyers from over 60 countries; over 15 representations from international chambers from around 20 countries and delegations from over 30 countries, amongst others

Mr Ahmed Ali Sirohey, Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner told Vanguard that the exhibitions which is the 6th in the series, has a lot of business opportunities for all participants come February, 2011.

Expo Pakistan, which  is packaged by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, seeks to promote local manufacturers and their value added products in the global trade.

The 2011 Expo is facilitated by Igate Global Concept Limited, which is also  responsible for registration of delegates, visa processing and travelling arrangement of all participants at this year’s expo.

The Pakistan annual expo, according to Sirohey affords participants opportunities to access new and emerging markets in the region; meet high value buyers from around the globe; make one_on_one interaction with leading companies, senior government officials, associations and chambers for investment and joint  ventures; a diversified international platform for multiple business audience and experience exquisite cultural heritage & hospitality of Pakistan

Pakistan with a population of over 160 million people having a per capita income surpassing US$ 1,000 attracts many international retail chains to open up their operations in that country. Local manufacturers there are also seeking support of international suppliers for value added products to expand their business in the export markets and to cater to the local demand

Products earmarked for exhibitions at the Karachi Expo Center, Karachi, Pakistan, as highlighted by the High Commissioner, include home textile, carpets and rugs, handicrafts and  furniture, marble and  granite, cement products, bags & martial art products and fabric & apparel.

The other Sirohey mentioned are surgical & pharma, men’s, women’s & children’s wear, fashion accessories, knitwear, hosiery, surgical equipment, diagnostic equipment, hospital beds & wheel chairs, needles & syringes, medical disposables, herbal medicines, gems & jewellery, computer software & hardware, communication equipment and electronic goods