By Muhammad Shahzad — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Preparations for the 42nd International Handmade Carpet Exhibition, scheduled to be held in Lahore next month, are in full swing, with the country’s handmade carpet industry expecting significant business opportunities through participation by international buyers.

Chairman of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman and Chairman Exhibition Riaz Ahmed said the registration process for buyers from different countries was still underway, expressing optimism that the international exhibition would generate substantial export deals.

They said such business activity would not only help earn valuable foreign exchange for Pakistan but also provide much-needed support to the handmade carpet industry, which is currently facing multiple challenges.

They expressed these views while addressing a meeting convened to review preparations for the international exhibition. Patron-in-Chief Abdul Latif Malik, Chairperson Carpet Training Institute Ijaz-ur-Rehman, Senior Member Usman Ashraf, Saeed Khan, Secretary Muhammad Riaz and other office-bearers and representatives also attended the meeting.

The participants expressed satisfaction over the encouraging response from foreign buyers regarding their participation in the exhibition being held in Pakistan.

Various proposals were discussed to strengthen business linkages through one-to-one and business-to-business (B2B) meetings between international buyers and Pakistani exporters.

Chairman Exhibition Riaz Ahmed gave a detailed briefing on preparations made so far. The participants agreed that direct meetings with foreign buyers would be made as productive as possible to enable Pakistani exporters to explore new business opportunities and establish long-term commercial relationships.

Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman and Riaz Ahmed said comprehensive arrangements were being made to make the exhibition a successful and impressive international event.

They said all stakeholders were making their best efforts in this regard and stressed the importance of unity and mutual cooperation to ensure the success of the exhibition.

The leaders said the event would create new opportunities for the handmade carpet industry, which has been facing difficulties due to various economic and market-related factors.

They added that effective measures would be taken to introduce foreign buyers to the quality, craftsmanship and export potential of Pakistani handmade carpets.

They noted that exhibitions of this nature played an important role in promoting Pakistani products in international markets, identifying new buyers and increasing exports.

Pakistani handmade carpets produced by skilled artisans have a distinctive identity in international markets, they said, adding that greater global promotion and direct business linkages were essential to further expand their market reach.

The arrival of international buyers in Lahore would provide local exporters with an opportunity to showcase their products directly and create a conducive environment for future business agreements, the participants said.

The meeting was also informed that the association had started preparations for participation in international exhibitions scheduled to be held in Istanbul and Germany.

The objective is to further promote Pakistani handmade carpets on international platforms and expand business linkages with foreign buyers.

Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman and Riaz Ahmed expressed gratitude to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for providing subsidies to Pakistani exporters participating in international exhibitions.

They said the support would help promote Pakistan’s carpet export industry globally and improve prospects for increasing exports and strengthening the country’s presence in international markets.