In order to increase interaction between people and trust between businessmen of two countries, Pakistan and Kazakhstan, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) initiated the concept of Pakistan Trade Caravan, which opened at Almaty Kazakhstan on Friday which was largely appreciated by visiting participants.

Some 45 companies in textile, agro foods, herbal, pharmaceutical and handicrafts displayed their products to a large audience of members of Kazakh Chambers and businessmen.

TDAP also developed a large composite stall with highest quality home textile, garments and sportsware that had been provided by brands such as Chen One, Gul Ahmed, Sapphire and Al Karam.

The Trade Caravan initiative is the first step in the beginning of long term commercial relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. This was demonstrated during the inauguration ceremony by the attendance of large number of official and businessmen of the country. It is time that to revive ancient trade legacy and move towards greater bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

TDAP’s road show branding reflected this legacy of trade caravans crossing from country to country in search of mutual economic benefit. During the event, some 300 Kazakh companies took part in strong B2B sessions with their Pakistani counterparts.

A fashion show is also scheduled in the open amphitheatre of Almaty’s Mega Mall on 14th. Senior designers such as Warda Saleem, Amir Adnan, Ayesha Ibrahim and AlKaram and have loaned their apparel and designs for the fashion show.

Companies such as Turnik Kz, Radiance, Dest Textile Firm Kaz center expressed strong interest in textile, leather and sports. According to the President of the Hosiery Manufacturers Association, Dr Khurram Tariq, the event has paved the way Pakistan’s entry into this hereto unrecognized but strong regional market.

Following the success of the event, the USAID regional office is also seeking exhibitor and TDAP interest in participation in the Central Asian Trade Forum scheduled to be held in Almaty in September this year.

It was noted that the existing trade potential is not reflective of the bilateral relations between the two countries. Despite strong trade complementarities, bilateral trade between the two nation’ sis of low value addition and is at approximately $34 million.

At the inauguration of the Pakistan Trade Caravan, the Kazakh government was represented by Arsen Nasyrkanov, from Akim office, Taimur of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and Ms Khudova, President of the Textile Industry of Kazakhstan. Mukhtar, President of Almaty Chamber of Commerce, Arslan, Head of Foreign Office Almaty were also present on the occasion. From Pakistan his Excellency Ambassador Salik Khan and CEO S.M. Muneer and Rabiya Javeri Agha, Secretary TDAP were also present. The Pakistan Trade Caravan at Almaty will continue till May15th.