Pakistan trade show opens in Colombo

Highlighting vibrancy and excellence, the 3-day Pakistan trade exhibition, probably the largest by that country to be held in Colombo opened at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition and Convention Centre on Friday. The aim of the exhibition is to diversify the existing patterns of bilateral trade between the two countries, said Pakistan High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Shahzad A. Chaudhry at the opening ceremony.

He disclosed that trade between the two countries has increased from US$146 million in 2003-2004 to US$264 million in 2006-2007 with exports from Pakistan doubling from US$97.8 million to 200.7 million during the same period. He asserted that the FTZ with Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s first ever agreement of this nature, has continued to provide good dividends. However, “the true potential for bilateral trade and commerce can only be availed of if business communities on both sides are willing to explore new possibilities in this endeavour,” he said.

The exhibition is aimed at introducing a wide range of quality Pakistan products to the Sri Lanka market for the first time with the prominent business and trade exhibiting sectors representing textiles, leather products, sports, surgical goods, hospital & pharmaceutical equipment, cosmetics, furniture, handicrafts, cutlery, gem and jewelry items.