JEDDAH, 14 March 2007 -- More than 40 Saudi companies are expected to visit the forthcoming Expo Pakistan 2007 to be held in Karachi from March 29 to April 1, Hijab Gul, commercial consul at the Consulate General of Pakistan, said here yesterday.
Entrepreneurs from both countries believe there is a need for more interaction to improve the trade situation, Gul said, adding that "Pakistan has invited noted Saudi businessmen to visit the expo in a bid to boost the existing business ties." Saudi businessmen Mazin Batterji, Ziad Bassam Al-Bassam, vice chairmen of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Saad Al-Majal, vice chairman of Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, will be among those visiting the expo, he said.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan enjoy good trade relations. Kingdom is the 10th major importer of Pakistani products and there have been a number of joint ventures recently, Gul said, noting that there were still some hurdles that need to be removed. "We want direct relationship between the buyers and the sellers eliminating the third country role," he said. The expo will provide businessmen the opportunity to have direct links that will help establish new business partnerships, Gul said.
He said Pakistan-made products, especially surgical items are exported to Germany and some European countries from where these products are re-exported to Middle East and Arab countries. "We need to get rid of the middle-country role." A direct link will help build confidence among the parties, he said.
The event is being organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
By Arshad Raza
© Arab News 2007
