ISLAMABAD: A large number of buyers and visitors appreciated a Pakistani trade caravan, which made its final stop at Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The trade caravan is a new brand initiated by the Trade Development Authority to make strategic trade inroads into Central Asia. The highlight of the show was a mango tasting which generated great enthusiasm and interest.
Over 3 tons of mangoes had been bought to Dushanbe, courtesy of Pakistani mango exporters, Union Fruits and Mohammad Din and Sons. These had been prepared into various drinks and desserts. The response was very positive.
Earlier, the Ambassador of Pakistan and Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Tajikistan Chamber and Deputy Ministers attended the trade caravan inauguration. On this occasion TDA Secretary Rabiya Javeri Agha said that the caravan came at an opportune time.
“The launching of the Eurasian Economic Union has created an opportunity for Pakistani goods to enter through Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and move freely into Russia, Belarus and Armenia. This provides Pakistan a chance to capitalise on a market of over 180 million people. Pakistan has strong trade relations with Tajikistan, especially in textile, garments and agro based products. It is time we take economic advantage of this”, she said.
At the opening of the Trade Caravans event in Dushanbe, the Pakistan Ambassador to Tajikistan, Mr Tariq Soomro, spoke about the strong potential for trade between the two countries. He explained how proactive government initiatives such as CPEC and CASA1000 were opening roads for greater people connectivity. Mr Adil Khan Miankhel, Commercial Councilor Almaty spoke in favour of visa waivers in the interest of greater people to people contact.