Pakistani companies see import expo as opportunity

11 Pakistani companies have confirmed participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and are now actively preparing for the upcoming event, seeing the expo as a golden chance to gain access to the Chinese market.

A photo shows Pakistani machinists working at a textile factory in Faisalabad, on November 16, 2016. [Photo: VCG]

Rajby Industries is one of the largest garments manufacturing enterprises in Pakistan, mainly exporting denim products to global brands. It has formed a considerable footprint in the international denim market since it was established in 1972.

General Manager Muzummil Ismail says Rajby has planned to exhibit a new line of products especially for the Chinese market.

"China is right now going through a whole change in the economic paradigm. We want to cater to the Chinese market. So we are developing certain products for the Chinese market, which we can explore and supply to the local Chinese brands there, local companies."

Junaid Esmail is the president of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He says the expo will create more opportunities for extensive and in-depth trade cooperation between Pakistan and China.

"This is a great opportunity for us to participate in this exhibition, and to participate and to also exhibit the products in this exhibition and we can get some orders out of it. I think this can be main revenue generation for Pakistan and it will be a beginning for Pakistan."

Federal Secretary of Commerce Younus Dagha says Pakistan is looking forward to exporting more products to China via the upcoming CIIE.

He says Pakistani companies are trying to build the country's image not only as an exporter of goods but also as a place of great culture.

"We in the Ministry of Commerce see China not only as a great supplier of goods and services to Pakistan, but also as a buyer of our services. And we think that as the Chinese economy is growing, and the purchasing power of its people is increasing, Pakistani products can find a great market there."

Many believe that China and Pakistan's economies are complementary to each other and this has been proved by close business and trade relations.

With companies from both countries willing to engage in more extensive and in-depth cooperation, the Expo will further create opportunities in the areas of business, trade, culture and people-to-people exchange.

The first CIIE is scheduled to open from Nov 5 to 10.