RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The KCCI’s My-Karachi, Oasis of Harmony Exhibition 2018, will portray the true picture of Karachi as a peaceful city and economic hub of Pakistan; this was expressed by Siraj Kassam Teli, chairman Businessmen Group and former president of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Addressing a press conference, he informed that KCCI was organizing its 15th flagship international “My-Karachi, Oasis of Harmony Exhibition 2018” from 20th to 22nd April 2018 at Expo Centre Karachi which was another sequel to KCCI’s annual international event.

He stated that every year beside corporate and public sector of Pakistan, hundreds of international exhibitors and renowned companies from friendly countries participate in the exhibition.

He said, “My-Karachi title was particularly chosen for this exhibition as we, the business and industrialist community, strongly feel that we have to own this city.”

The success of My-Karachi title can be gauged from the fact that many people have also started numerous events with a similar title of My-Karachi, which was initially introduced by Karachi Chamber in 2004. “We do not oppose any one using the title, instead we warmly welcome all such events because all these events are being held to promote the soft and positive image of Karachi,” he added.

Explaining the reasons behind choosing the theme ‘Oasis of Harmony’ for My-Karachi exhibition, Siraj Teli stated that this theme depicts the diverse, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic population who speak different languages but live in complete harmony across Karachi. The theme also represents the entire business and industrial community of Karachi, starting from a small shopkeeper to leading industrialists, he added.

Siraj Kassam Teli pointed out that Karachi Chamber has been constantly staging My-Karachi exhibition since 2004 when Karachi city was badly affected by terrorism and the law and order situation of the city was not so good. Moreover, the foreign media was wrongly portraying any law and order incident taking place in any particular area of the city in a manner that portrayed a negative image and created a negative impression of the entire city. “To rectify this serious issue, we decided to organize My-Karachi exhibition and ensured that the business and industrial community, all diplomats, foreign companies and the Karachiites fully participate in this event. With the passage of time, this exhibition has succeeded in gaining an international recognition as many countries around the world have also been regularly participating in this event,” he said.

“Despite law and order incidents from time to time on a number of occasions, we kept organizing My-Karachi exhibition at all cost which kept expanding just from three halls in 2004 to all six halls of the Expo Center where more than one million people visit the three days of the exhibition. Every year, My-Karachi keeps on growing and improving; thanks to the untiring efforts of the office bearers who try their best to excel in performance,” he said, adding that today law and order situation has drastically improved and 90 percent better prior to 2013.

He informed that this year’s My-Karachi exhibition will have 315 stalls spread over all six halls of the Expo Center in which foreign delegates from six countries have confirmed their participation so far. “It has become a self-sustainable exhibition and has never been a burden on KCCI. In fact, this exhibition has generated revenue which is directly submitted to chamber’s kitty,” BMG chairman said, adding that last year’s My-Karachi exhibition generated a handsome revenue of Rs15 million and this year they expect more revenue which will be utilized on the construction of new building in Clifton.

He further said that 15th My-Karachi exhibition will also be featuring numerous recreational facilities including kids play area, birds and pet show whereas the outer area of the Expo center, where Food Court would be established, will be designed in a unique manner for the entertainment of visitors.

Siraj Teli appreciated the efforts made by chairman Special Committee for My-Karachi exhibition, Muhammad Idrees, who has been taking new initiatives every year to make this exhibition more attractive for the visiting families. “We ensure equivalent trade and recreational facilities at My-Karachi exhibition where products are offered to the visitors at factory rates,” he added.

He also acknowledged the overwhelming support extended by all three tiers of the government including federal, provincial and local along with the support of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies particularly Pakistan Rangers Sindh and Sindh Police.

He further commented that Karachi was spread on a massive land of 3,600 square kilometers and holds a population of more than 22.25 million which makes it a huge city even bigger in size and population than 80 countries around the world. The city inhabits all types of people and is the financial and industrial hub of the country. “No matter, whether people accept or not, I always say that Karachi is Pakistan which contributes more than 65 to 70 percent revenue to the national exchequer and we run the entire country yet this city continue to suffer injustices and neglect on part of most politicians and bureaucrats who are responsible for creating all sorts of problems in Karachi. Despite so many odds, Karachi performs very well because of the contributions made by business and industrial community who are not only generating revenue for the national exchequer to run the entire country but also generously contributing towards a number of philanthropic activities in health, education and other sectors,” Siraj Teli added.

Vice Chairman BMG, Zubair Motiwala; President KCCI, Muffasar Atta Malik; Senior Vice President KCCI, Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak; Vice President KCCI, Rehan Hanif; chairman of Special Committee for My-Karachi, Muhammad Idrees; former presidents KCCI Haroon Agar, Abdullah Zaki, Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra and Shamim Ahmed Firpo; and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present on the occasion.