Sultan
August 16th, 2004, 07:19 PM
Pakistan to set up export display centre in Sharjah
BY M. A. QUDOOS
16 August 2004
DUBAI - Pakistan is establishing a display centre in Sharjah to promote the exports of its products.
This was stated by Tariq Ikram, Pakistan's Minister of State and chairman of the country's Export Promotion Bureau, while addressing the general body meeting of the Dubai-based Pakistan Business Council on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day.
Tariq said that the government of Sharjah was providing the land for the Display Centre which will be run on a BOT (build, operate and transfer) basis.
He said that an MoU would soon be signed in this regard and that the centre would be managed by experienced people.
Giving details of the measures being taken by his government to attract investment in the country and to increase exports, Tariq said that in February 2005, Karachi will be turned into an Expo City in which some 500 local and 400 foreign companies will exhibit their products in addition to social and cultural events. The foreign participants will also be taken to other cities to experience Pakistan.
A 50-acre Garment and Textile City in being developed on where fully built factories will be handed over to investors to install machinery and start production.
A 16-acre Dazzle Mart is also being developed near Karachi for cutting and polishing of diamonds on joint ventures and local ownership basis, as well as for certification and hallmarking, he said.
He said that the Export Finance Scheme, Export freight Subsidy Scheme, permission to import second hand plants and equipment, and payment of freight by the government for relocation of plant, were all aimed at benefiting investors and promoting exports.
Tariq said that the government strategy was to increase exports of value added goods, diversify exports, and to covert special relationships with other countries into commercial advantage for Pakistan.
He said that the government had identified 10 sectors for development of exports. They were: IT, engineering goods, fisheries, fruits and vegetables, marble and granite, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, poultry and meat, and general services.
He said that Dubai was Pakistan's third largest trading partner. He stressed improvement in business practices and adherence to quality, price and delivery time to avoid decline in exports in future.
Pakistan Ambassador Air Marshal (Retd) Syed Qaiser Hussain emphasised that business interests between the UAE and Pakistan be strengthened.
Tanvir Khawaja, president of Pakistan Business Council, said that the meetings of various trade groups set up by the PBC will be held on August 22, 24, and 26 to find ways to promote the exports.
Under its plan to interact with the 27 other business councils, the PBC will hold its first meeting with another business council by the end of this year. He said that the council also planned a monthly newsletter.
He said that with the cooperation of the Export Promotion Bureau, a single country exhibition and seminar are planned to be held to increase Pakistan's share in the re-export market of Dubai.
BY M. A. QUDOOS
16 August 2004
DUBAI - Pakistan is establishing a display centre in Sharjah to promote the exports of its products.
This was stated by Tariq Ikram, Pakistan's Minister of State and chairman of the country's Export Promotion Bureau, while addressing the general body meeting of the Dubai-based Pakistan Business Council on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day.
Tariq said that the government of Sharjah was providing the land for the Display Centre which will be run on a BOT (build, operate and transfer) basis.
He said that an MoU would soon be signed in this regard and that the centre would be managed by experienced people.
Giving details of the measures being taken by his government to attract investment in the country and to increase exports, Tariq said that in February 2005, Karachi will be turned into an Expo City in which some 500 local and 400 foreign companies will exhibit their products in addition to social and cultural events. The foreign participants will also be taken to other cities to experience Pakistan.
A 50-acre Garment and Textile City in being developed on where fully built factories will be handed over to investors to install machinery and start production.
A 16-acre Dazzle Mart is also being developed near Karachi for cutting and polishing of diamonds on joint ventures and local ownership basis, as well as for certification and hallmarking, he said.
He said that the Export Finance Scheme, Export freight Subsidy Scheme, permission to import second hand plants and equipment, and payment of freight by the government for relocation of plant, were all aimed at benefiting investors and promoting exports.
Tariq said that the government strategy was to increase exports of value added goods, diversify exports, and to covert special relationships with other countries into commercial advantage for Pakistan.
He said that the government had identified 10 sectors for development of exports. They were: IT, engineering goods, fisheries, fruits and vegetables, marble and granite, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, poultry and meat, and general services.
He said that Dubai was Pakistan's third largest trading partner. He stressed improvement in business practices and adherence to quality, price and delivery time to avoid decline in exports in future.
Pakistan Ambassador Air Marshal (Retd) Syed Qaiser Hussain emphasised that business interests between the UAE and Pakistan be strengthened.
Tanvir Khawaja, president of Pakistan Business Council, said that the meetings of various trade groups set up by the PBC will be held on August 22, 24, and 26 to find ways to promote the exports.
Under its plan to interact with the 27 other business councils, the PBC will hold its first meeting with another business council by the end of this year. He said that the council also planned a monthly newsletter.
He said that with the cooperation of the Export Promotion Bureau, a single country exhibition and seminar are planned to be held to increase Pakistan's share in the re-export market of Dubai.