Pakistan to bolster packaging industry push in Gulf

This was stated by the country's ambassador to the UAE Gen. Samiullah Khan who opened the Lahore-headquartered Salam Enterprises stand at the expo' at the World Trade Centre.

'There will definitely be a major group of exhibitors from Pakistan here next year,' said Gen. Khan.

'Pakistan boasts a great deal of expertise in this field and the layout, organisation and professionalism of the expo' is outstanding. There is no doubt about it, we want to be involved in a big way, especially as Pakistan and Dubai are so close geographically. The Gulf is a vital market to us.'

Gen. Khan said he would press for Pakistan's influential Export Promotion Board to work closely with Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E), the event organisers, to help bolster the profile of the Pakistani packaging sector. The board would co-ordinate a concerted pitch from the five chambers of commerce in Pakistan.

Pakistan's drive into the Gulf has been pioneered by Salam Enterprises debut at PackTech. Salam Enterprises makes all types of packaging machines for solids and liquids as well as material for the products. It is introducing its liquid and packaging machines at PackTech.

The company's chief executive, Raheel Salam, said the giant Pakistani firm's presence at PackTech would certainly herald more activity in the Gulf.

'We will be projecting ourselves in the Gulf much more now. PackTech is the start,' according to Salam.

Sharla Hancock, F&E project manager, added: 'The quality of the products from Pakistan is tremendous and we look forward to a large group from there next PackTech.'

PackTech runs simultaneously with PrinTech/Publitech printing and publishing industry shows. The shows run until January 15. Industry groups from as far afield as China, Taiwan and Turkey are taking part.