Establishing people-to-people contact in an environment of trust and friendship between India and Pakistan is the principal agenda of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. To fulfil this objective, the TDAP will present its famed cuisine, exquisite carpets and clothes in a four-day-long lifestyle exhibition beginning on September 11 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
Since the exhibition’s conceived to epitomise lifestyle and grandeur, the organisers have named it Aalishan Pakistan. In the earlier edition, the Pakistani delegation comprised 200 members of the trading community. This time, the TDAP is keen on taking the bi-lateral ties to a new high with the new dispensation at the Centre. It is coming with a 300-strong delegation and has a roadmap for building strategic partnerships with Indian partners which would eventually lead to employment for small scale workers in both countries.
The visiting delegation will showcase a wide array of leather merchandise, ubiquitous onyx, advancement in agro industries, embroidered carpets and trendy outfits apart from exploring bi-lateral opportunities between the two nations.
Also on the cards is a fashion extravaganza with the participation of top notch designers like Sami, Umar Sayeed, Deepak Perwani and Warda Saleem. They will show the outfits which are much sought after here during expositions at IITF or Dilli Haat.
Speaking to this correspondent on the phone from Pakistan, TDAP chief executive S.M. Muneer says it is a “win-win situation” for both countries as the event will facilitate interaction between prominent Pakistani manufacturers of onyx, carpet, lehengas and saris with Indian buyers and manufacturers.
“The event will help people on both sides of the border to get livelihood opportunities.
Millions of Indians and Pakistanis will benefit materially from this event. Pakistan would like to get cheaper Indian goods instead of importing the ones manufactured in the Far East at exorbitant rates.
Similarly, if India gets economically-priced goods from our country it should be able to access them. Not only the business community will reap the advantages but also more small scale workers belonging to both neighbours. This is our aspiration.”
For Muneer getting more business opportunities for Pakistani manufacturers is a necessity and his insistence on a level playing field sounds logical.
“Right now the tilt is heavily in favour of India. It is currently one to five ratio. We want our domestic industry to survive. People on both sides need to benefit.”
If this is a business-to-business event then will the public be able to access these goods?
“Surely, this event is for the public. We want to make Aalishan Pakistan a memorable event.”
Since the highest footfall is in the Pakistan pavilion at the trade fair, is Pakistan contemplating sending famous chefs to prepare their delicacies?
“Yes, we know that Indians love food from our side of Punjab or the North West Frontier Province. So we are sending our famous khansamahs to cook Mughlai delicacies for the Indian public.”
The TDAP chief executive was non-committal on the prospects of a collaborative venture between Pakistani designers and Indian couturiers like Rohit Bal, JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani and Ritu Beri.
An art exhibition at Hotel Lalit will also be held.
