RAWALPINDI, JAN 04 (DNA) – The launching ceremony of Rawal International Expo being organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) was held here on Thursday at Ayub National  Park Rawalpindi.

The five day Industrial Exhibition, RAWAL International EXPO2018 will be kicked off on April 11 and will be continue till April 15.

Industrial products, Garments, leather products, gem and jewelry, Home Appliances and furniture will be displayed on the occasion.

Food Court, Children playing area and Auto show will also be organized to attract and entertain families and children. This has been disclosed by the President RCCI Zahid Latif Khan while addressing the ceremony.

Minister of State for information and broadcast and national heritage  Ms  Maryam Aurangzeb, MNA Malik Abrar, Ambassadors of different countries including Deputy Chief of Mission Lijian Zhao, Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan, Chairman UBG Iftekhar Malik, Senior Vice President Nasir Mirza, Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Group leaders Suhail Altaf, SM Naseem, former Presidents Chairman Fair & Exhibition Committee Malik Shahid Saleem, Vice Chairman Khurshid Berlas, members of the executive committee, exhibitors and chamber members were present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony the chief guest Maryam Aurangzeb said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought a historical investment in power sector and infrastructure in Pakistan and this will serve as strong bondage between China and Pakistan. She highlighted the key initiatives of Government taken under the leadership of former President Nawaz Sharif.

She said its our government tenure that we have completed 55 years old projects like lawari Tunnel. She said that Government is delivering as we did in load shedding and security situation and pledged that we will complete all projects when we enter into elections this year as promised during 2013.

She said to counter new wars, the war of perception, the government is working on promoting Films and Screening to present soft image of Pakistan. She urged chambers to support government in this regard. She appreciated the RCCI role in promoting business activities through exhibitions and said that this year more than 100 Chinese companies are participating the event this reflects the strong relationship between the two countries and improved law and order situation in the country. She also compared the terror incidents of 2013 vs 2017 and informed that an average 2600 incidents reported in 2013 and last it year only 240. A sheer drop of  88%. This nation is resilient and committed.  She said continuation of policies is required in the country. Its our government who generated more than 11000 MW electricity and added to the national grid. In 2013 Pakistan was about to default but our government took strong economic measures and now Pakistan has been included in emerging markets.

Giving details about the Rawal International Expo 2018, Zahid Latif Khan said that RCCI has been organizing exhibitions in the country and outside the country regularly. Last year RCCI organized Rawal Expo 2017, which proved to be a great success. RCCI received lot of appreciation and based on the feedback we are going to organize a 5 day Rawal Expo 2018 on April 11-15, he added. He said that during five day exhibition, industrial products will be displayed and buyer will have the facility to book the orders on the spot. Laste year more than 15 international companies including China, Thailand, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal and Sri Lanka displayed their products in the expo. This year we are expecting 100 plus international companies be a part of our expo. Cultural evenings will also be held during five day exhibition, he added. City administration, RWMC, CCB and trade organizations had assured full cooperation in this regard, said RCCI President.

President RCCI said that Rawal EXPO 2018 was aiming to increase business activities along with providing entertainment to the masses. He asked government to provide a dedicated space.

Chinese DCM also spoke on the occasion and said that China had invested massive in Power and Infrastructure that resulted in improved electricity and better road network in Pakistan and said that his office will provide full assistance to RCCI in organizing business conference in China.