RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has finalized all arrangements to hold its annual international event ‘My Karachi, Oasis of Harmony 2018” at Expo Centre Karachi from April 20 to 22. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah will inaugurate the 3-day international exhibition.

KCCI focuses on image building of Pakistan and interactive (B2B) business-to-business linkages and (B2C) business-to-consumer relationship through this mega event which they have been holding for last 14 years. The event to begin today is 15th showcase to improve image of Karachi in the eyes of foreign investors and traders.

KCCI president Muffasar Atta Malik recalled that Businessmen Group chairman Siraj Kassam Teli, felt the need to remove negative perception about Karachi that was created by negative projection by the media, particularly the western media. He said during his tenure as KCCI president, Teli initiated My Karachi Exhibition in 2004.

“My Karachi Exhibition keeps improving every year, thanks to untiring efforts made by all former presidents of the Chamber from time to time who strived to further expand this exhibition,” he said, adding that consequently, this event has become one of the biggest events and has enhanced from just three halls in 2004 to all six halls of the Expo Center, now.

He said KCCI hosts the event without any commercial objective but with a vision to promote positive image of Karachi and the tag line of ‘Made in Pakistan’ worldwide. He also lauded support of Sindh Government, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and law enforcing agencies for making this event successful.

Malik was of the view that despite numerous problems confronting the economy, business community remains steadfast to face challenges and remove obstacles that impede pace of commercial and industrial activities. He said that at 15th My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, domestic as well as foreign businesses would once again be participating with a view to synchronize their trades. “Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Romania and Ukraine are participating in the event with Thailand and Indonesia establishing special pavilions,” he said. KCCI president was confident that the exhibition would provide an excellent chance to explore true trade potential of Karachi in particular and Pakistan in general, which is home to natural beauty, traditions and cultural heritages.

“We have designed fifteenth sequel of “My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony” exhibition to expose great potential of regional trade. We have doubled capacity of food court and kids playing areas where many new recreational facilities will be provided to visiting families,” he said.

Chairman Special Committee for My Karachi Exhibition, Muhammad Idrees said more than 300 stalls showcasing Pakistani products and services have been established at this year’s exhibition. He said all out efforts have been made to attract maximum number of visitors and foreign exhibitors with a view to promote positive image of Karachi. He said for the fourth consecutive year, a dedicated Designers’ Lawn Fabric Pavilion has been established in which some of the well-known brands of Pakistan would be showcasing their lawn fabrics. He said special arrangements have been made to organize Pets and Birds Shows as well.