RAK FTZ expects good turnout at Expo Pakistan 2010
Oussama El Omari, RAK FTZ CEO, has high expectations for the free zone’s participation, as exhibitor and sponsor, in the 5th Expo Pakistan to be held on the 26-28th of February, in Karachi, Pakistan.
A team from RAK FTZ will be at Expo Pakistan to share information about the free zone's products and services to over 400 Pakistani exhibitors, from a wide variety of industries, including Auto & Spare Parts, Fabrics & Apparel, Food & Ingredients, Gems & Jewellery, Home & Décor, Industrial Goods, Information Technology, Leather Goods, Services, Sporting Goods, Surgical Equipment, and Pharmaceuticals. In addition, more than 10,000 visitors and 600 foreign traders from over 50 countries are expected to attend and exhibit alongside local traders.
“Pakistan is one of our top priorities this year – with its proximity to the UAE and the strong economic relationship between our countries – we know we can help each other identify potential opportunities in the market that will help our respective economies grow further. Our increased presence in Pakistan is also very timely, especially in view or the increasing number of Pakistani businesses aiming to reach a wider Middle Eastern market. They will find that RAK FTZ is an ideal avenue for them to start their expansion abroad. We expect about 500 inquiries and at least 15 new registrations from our participation in this event,” El Omari comments.
In 2009, RAK FTZ first entered the Pakistani market by sponsoring and exhibiting at ITCN Asia, the region's premiere IT telecom exhibition and conference. That event generated 414 inquires, 52 prospects and 14 registrations with RAK FTZ, which translated into additional sales revenue for the free zone. This high turnout is a direct result of Pakistan’s growing economy and bustling trade. Annually, it exports USD 3.06 billion in office machinery, honey, sugar, petroleum products and gold. It also exports USD 3.58 billion in food, USD10.3 billion in petroleum, and USD4.84 billion in agriculture and chemical products.
With Expo Pakistan 2010 expected to attract up-and-coming Pakistani SMEs, established corporations, private and public businesses, and government agencies as well as business organisations and associations, it is the most strategic venue for RAK FTZ representatives to establish contacts across all industries and familiarise them with the many opportunities and options available within the free zone, like the Standard Office facility, which is ideal for setting up an initial branch office within the region.
“We will be offering our Standard Office package during the Expo, an opportunity that many small and medium enterprises will find perfectly suited to their business needs. And if they want more, all they have to do is to talk to any member of our delegation, and we can customise the office package according to their requirements,” El Omari adds.
Expo Pakistan 2010 marks only the second time that RAK FTZ will be actively marketing in Pakistan. This, however, is set to change within the year, with participation in exhibitions, conferences and road shows being planned to increase the free zone’s presence in the country.
RAK FTZ also offers businesses its Flexi Desk facility, a cost-effective way of opening an international branch in the UAE, or for those companies with greater requirements, it offers Executive Offices, Warehouses and Land for Development. For more information, visit the RAK FTZ Booth at Expo Pakistan at the Karachi Expo Centre Hall No.2 or visit www.rakftz.com.
