Daily Times

LAHORE: More than 400 exhibitors would participate in the 12th SAARC Trade Fair and 9th WEXNET Exhibition, organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at the Expo Centre, from December 4-6.

The 12th SAARC Trade Fair is one of the prestigious events in South Asia to promote regional trade within the SAARC countries, thus creating business and a good rapport among the nations. The platform of the fair provides an opportunity to showcase the finest collection of member country’s export merchandise and services along with cultural beauty. Exhibitors from member countries are invited not only to promote their product potential but also to avail the opportunity of trade promotion and cultural exchanges among themselves.

More than 60 exhibitors would be present at the fair, of which 24 would be from India, including Haldi Ram, Dharampal, Satyapal and Orra. There would be 12 stalls forms Sri Lanka, six exhibitors from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, while 50 leading brands from Pakistan would also display their products.

This is the third SAARC trade exhibition to be hosted by Pakistan and first of its kind in Lahore. Exhibitors from SAARC member countries would exhibit garments, jewellery, shoes and beauty-care items. The huge success of the event goes to all relevant stakeholders including the proactive approach of TDAP.

Commerce Minister Khurram Dastigar will inaugurate the event, while TDAP has invited the heads of all TPOs to visit the fair. EDB Sri Lanka Chairperson Indira Malawatee will be there to access various possibilities of business with Pakistan. TDAP has also invited SAARC Secretariat Nepal Secretary General Arjun Badahur Thappa to grace the event.

The platform would boost intra SAARC trade and would extend opportunities to buyers and sellers to understand and preview each other’s products in a broader prospect. The SAARC countries are low and middle income rated developing countries while their economies share many similarities related to their geographic locations along with many common aspects of their cultural, historical and socio-economic advancements.

WEXNET (Women Exporters Network): WEXNET is the largest exhibition of Pakistan for women entrepreneurs organised by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan in a bid to empower women and bring an end to gender discrimination in the country.

The significant factor of this mega event is that a buyer can find fine qualities products with multiple range of prices and able to find products according to his/her budget.

TDAP created WEXNET in 2001 to promote commercial activities of women entrepreneurs. WEXNET is a formalised structure that provides women with the opportunities to exhibit their products and network with each other, learns from others’ experiences and form collaborations for mutual benefits. It is recognised as the only national exhibition for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.

Last year, 364 exhibitors participated in the event, while this year, women entrepreneurs would develop business linkages with businesses in SAARC member countries.

This year, around 237 stalls would be showcased while this opportunity would also extend help and provide exposure to the businesses of women entrepreneurs at large. TDAP has made all out efforts to facilitate the business community of the country to help improve the trade advancement of the country.