Pakistan participation up 200 per cent at Motexha 2007

Last year Pakistan exhibitors took 70 square metres, this year they will cover 200 per cent more space, which is unprecedented for any trade event in the region. International fashion designer Nadya Mistry is leading a growing number of women entrepreneurs at this year's show, encouraged by recent Pakistani government incentives.

Bilal Khan Pasha, Commercial Attache, Consulate General of Pakistan - Dubai, said "Women now make-up 51 per cent of Pakistan's population and as such cannot be left out of the economy. The number of women in the workforce is growing and the government is making every effort to bring them into the mainstream of business, trade and commerce. To help achieve this, the government offers financial subsidies for women who wish to participate in overseas trade fairs to encourage their participation. Motexha has certainly attracted some of our most successful businesswomen."

On show at Motexha will be top international fashion designer Nadya Mistry. The Parisian-qualified icon out of the Nino Cerruti 1881 and Mary McFadden stables will no doubt be eager to appeal to the burgeoning communities of affluent expatriates from the Sub Continent, further enhancing exports of in-vogue silk, synthetics, knitwear and readymade garments.

"With rising per capita incomes, trendy fashion-conscious consumers, a large expatriate community, the emerging Dubai Textile City and not forgetting that the main port of Karachi is only 737 miles away from Dubai, it is obvious that Pakistani exporters would want to enhance their regional presence," added Geoffrey Booy, Exhibition Director for Motexha at IIR Middle East.

In all over 220 exhibitors from over 25 countries are expected to participate, a 35 per cent increase over 2006 and Ladies' Wear & Fashion Accessories will continue to dominate the overall industry mix at Motexha 2007. The show will also feature a dedicated arena for international brands and franchise labels, showcasing mid to high-end brands and new designers.

Motexha 2007 is supported by TEXMAS, the 300 member strong textile merchants group and promoters of the AED 220 million Dubai Textile City, as well as Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The show is also endorsed by key international governmental and private sector organisations including National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) of Indonesia, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery (CCCT), APICCAPS of Portugal and Thailand's Department of Export Promotion (DEP).