The sixth edition of the Made in Pakistan expo kicked off at the United World Trade Centre on Tuesday. The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has been organising the fair annually in association with the Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu with the aim of enhancing trade between the two countries.

The theme of this year’s expo is Rebuild Nepal in view of the destruction caused by the earthquake. The week-long event contains displays of a wide range of products including garments, furniture, leather products, handicrafts and decorative items. Exhibitors are offering various goods at discounted rates.

Speaking after the inaugural ceremony, Himalaya S Shamsher Rana, president of the Pakistan-Nepal Friendship and Cultural Association, said trade activities between the two countries should be increased although there were many things that needed to be settled to facilitate commercial exchanges. “Nepal-Pakistan trade has not been easy due to the transit route, but we have to look for ways in which we can work together,” said Rana.

Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Arshad Saud Khoosa urged local businessmen to hold similar events in Pakistan and pledged to provide help and facilities in this regard. “We want similar types of expos from the Nepali side to be held in Pakistan, and we are ready to help that happen,” he said.

Khurshid Barlas, vice-chairman of fairs and exhibitions of the RCCI, said that the expo would help enhance bilateral trade between Nepal and Pakistan. He added that they would like to support the process of rebuilding Nepal.

“The country’s business has suffered badly due to the earthquake, so we are trying to create positive vibes in the country by organising the expo which is a very good platform to facilitate trade,” he said. Barlas added that South Asian regional trade must be enhanced. Likewise, Abdur Rauf Chaudhary, coordinator of the expo, said that good relations between the two countries could be maintained through trade activities. He added that they were standing by Nepal during the present crisis. “We are here during a difficult period for Nepal due to the earthquake and shortage of supplies to show solidarity with our Nepali friends,” said Chaudhary.

Hem Ratna Shakya, president of the Handicrafts Federation of Nepal, said that Pakistani handicrafts possessed fine designs from which Nepalis could learn many things. The exhibition will remain open to the public from 11am to 7pm, and entrance is free.