First lifestyle exhibition from Pakistan opens in India

New Delhi, Apr 12 (PTI) The first 'Lifestyle Pakistan' exhibit opened here today with over 100 top Pakistani brands and designers in various categories like fashion textiles, jewellery, designer furniture and leather goods showcasing their high-end products. The exhibition was inaugurated by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Pakistan's Commerce Secretary Zafar Mahmood, who arrived here today alongwith 650 Pakistani businessmen. The exhibition is one of the steps taken by both India and Pakistan to enhance bilateral commerce and open new channels for shipment of goods. Bilateral trade between the two countries is USD 2.8 billion, although the informal trade, mainly via countries like Dubai and Singapore, is estimated to be USD 10 billion. "Informal trade is many times more than the formal (one) between India and Pakistan. We have to ensure that the gap between formal and informal trade disappears," Sharma said while inaugurating the four-day exhibition. This is the first collaborative exhibition of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The exhbition is being held at the ITPO-owned Pragati Maidan trade fair grounds in New Delhi. "Lot of movement has happened in the last one year, the (trade) normalisation is going very fast," Mahmood said. Items that are showcased at the exhibition include fashion textiles made of cotton and chiffon, designer furniture, 'Khusas' of Multan, bangles from Hyderabad (Sindh) and leather accessories, among other intricate handicrafts. Besides unique designs, visitors will be able to enjoy authentic Pakistani cuisine and musical performances lined up during the exposition. Top Pakistani brands like Gul Ahmed, AlKaram, Hub Leather, Khaadi, Chen One, Bonanza, Shamaeel by Sitara, Nishat and Orient Textile Mills are showcasing the rich heritage of Pakistan. Meanwhile, the integrated check post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah land border will be inaugurated tomorrow by India's Home Minister P Chidambaram. From the Pakistani side, Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim will be present on the occasion. PTI Caption for pic: India's Commerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma inaugurating the "Lifestyle Pakistan" exhibition at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on Thursday. Pakistan's Commerce Secretary Zafar Mahmood (to Sharma's right) and High Commissioner in India Shahid Malik (R) are also seen. PTI Photo