AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi, May 24, 2016 (PPI-OT):Pakistan trade caravan made its final stop at Dushanbe Tajikistan today. Buyers and visitors thronged in the Hyatt Hotel to see the spectrum of goods that were up for display and sale. The Trade Caravan is a new brand initiated by the Trade Development Authority to make strategic trade inroads into Central Asia.
The highlight of the show was a mango tasting which generated great enthusiasm and interest. Over 3 tons of mangoes had been bought to Dushanbe, courtesy of Pakistani mango exporters, Union Fruits and Mohammad Din and Sons. These had been prepared into various drinks and deserts for the consumption of the visitors. The response was outstanding.
Earlier, inauguration of Trade Caravan was held and besides Ambassador of Pakistan and Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Tajikistan Chamber and Deputy Ministers attended the ceremony. On this occasion Secretary of the Trade Development Authority, Rabiya Javeri Agha said that the caravan comes at an opportune time.
“The launching of the Eurasian Economic Union has created opportunity for Pakistani goods to enter through Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and move freely into Russia, Belarus and Armenia. This provides Pakistan a chance to capitalize on a market of over 180 million people. Pakistan has strong trade complementarities with Tajikistan, especially in textile, garments and agro based products. It is time we take economic advantage of this”, she said.
At the opening of the Trade Caravans event in Dushanbe, the Pakistan Ambassador to Tajikistan, Mr Tariq Soomro spoke about the strong potential between two countries. He explained how proactive government initiatives such as CPEC and CASA1000 were opening roads of greater people to people connectivity.
Mr Adil Khan Miankhel, Commercial Councillor Almaty spoke on the non-tariff issues and visa regime that needs to be facilitated and expedited in the interest of greater people to people contact. At the show, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Tajikistan Chamber welcomed the Pakistani guests and appreciated the effort of the Pakistan exhibitors and 40 companies that are accompanying TDAP.
He stated that with the opening of Somon Airways bi-weekly flights from Lahore to Dushanbe greater interaction and tourism would be developed between the two nations. Deputy Ministers of Tajikistan Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations were also present.
The Trade Caravan has already crossed from Almaty, Kazakhstan through Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan receiving overwhelming response at each station. Traditionally, Pakistan has been trading in Kinno in Central Asia but the opening of Somon Airline creates greater business openings in fruit, vegetables and meat preparations.
Furthermore, the long awaited opening of the Chinese Trade corridor, after realignment of the KKH at Attabad paves the way for unhindered trucking trade into Central Asia. The Trade Caravan of TDAP is just the beginning but hopefully it will pave the way for greater regional trade and national prosperity in the future.
For more information, contact:
Mr. Farooque Memon
Director
Information and Communication Division
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)
3rd Floor, Block A, Finance and Trade Centre,
P. O. Box No. 1293, Shahrah-e-Faisal,
Karachi 75200, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-444-111
Tel: +92-21-99206487-90, +92-21-99201526
Fax: +92-21-99206461, +92-21-99201526
Email: tdap@tdap.gov.pk, farooque.memon@tdap.gov.pk
Website: www.tdap.gov.pk