LAHORE: The third three-day expo of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry started on Friday with a beautiful ceremony here at Expo Centre. The ceremony was attended by thousands of local and foreign visitors who took keen interest in merchandise showcased there. The three-day exhibition, which was jointly inaugurated by the Provincial Minister for Industries Ch Muhammad Shafiq and LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad along with Senior Vice President Almas Hyder and Vice President Nasir Saeed, would continue until April 10. The LCCI office-bearers along with provincial minister took round of the exhibition. The stalls ranging from consumable items to industrial and food products, were of great attraction to the visitors Former LCCI presidents Syed Mohsin Raza Bukhari, Mian Anjum Nisar, Muhammad Ali Mian, LCCI Executive Committee members, participants from Indonesia, Turkey and other parts of the world were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that business community is backbone of the economy and its role is crucial for economic development of the country. He said that government is committed to resolving energy crisis. “A number of power projects are in the pipeline and after their completion load shedding would be ended,” he said, adding that new industrial estates are being established in various parts of the province while various measures are being taken for industrial expansion and reduction in unemployment. LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said, “It was not possible for us to organise this important event without the cooperation and endorsement of the Punjab government.” He said booking of almost 150 plus stalls in current economic conditions is itself a great success of this event. “Our local companies are exhibiting not only general consumer items but exportable items too like handicrafts, hosiery, trendy readymade garments, which have enormous export potential. The desirable thing is to market them in an effective way,” he stressed. Sheikh Muhammad Arshad expressed the hope that the exhibition will prove to be a launching pad to achieve the desired objectives of trade promotion and economic growth not only for Lahore but also for Punjab. LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder said that all over the world, fairs and exhibitions are considered to be the most effective tool of marketing and reaching out to potential customers. He said that Germany and France are making best use of this tool. The fairs and exhibitions not only help attract foreign buyers and bring in much-needed foreign exchange, but also highlight the soft image of Pakistan,” he observed. While citing the examples of Germany and China, LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed said that their economies are thriving today only because of they arrange exhibitions and exchange of delegations. He said that Germany is the leader as far as sector-specific exhibitions are concerned as over 1,000 exhibitions are held in Germany annually. Now the private sector in Pakistan was also focusing on holding exhibitions and it was a good omen for the economic well being of the country. The LCCI office-bearers said that taking part in exhibitions is not just an opportunity to improve the competitiveness of products, it can also make the manufacturers more competitive by optimising business processes, expanding service range, increasing brand awareness and customer loyalty. They said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue to organise such events in the larger interest of the business community. They also thanked the sponsors for 3rd Expo Lahore including Nikon Pakistan, Sufi Group, Interwood, Canon Foam, Fast Cables, United Industries and Chief Machinery Store.
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