Lifestyle Pakistan aims at direct India-Pakistan trade

New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) From clothing and home furnishings to delicious Pakistani delicacies - the capital will get to enjoy all this and more at the first Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition which starts at the Pragati Maidan here Thursday. It aims to open up direct trade between the two nations.

The designers feel that this exhibition would help eliminate the need to trade through third countries and people would be able to connect directly.

"I have waiting for this for a long time. It is something that was long due. It is national progression, which should have happened many years ago," designer Faiza Samee told IANS.

"Indian and Pakistani sensibilities are so similar. There is so much we have in common for mutual trade. Right now a lot of trade happens through Dubai. This exposition will benefit a lot when alternate routes will close and the countries are able to trade directly," she added.

Delhi will play host to over 100 Pakistani companies who will participate at the exhibition. Star musicians from the neigbouring country will also perform at the mega event.

The organisers hope that the event helps build trade ties and develop marketing networks between the two countries.

"It (exhibition) is one of the chains in trade normalisation between two countries and I think this comes with a very pleasant note as Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari came on a visit to India (on Sunday)," said Tariq Puri, chairman, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

"Pakistani textile products and home textiles are very well accepted in India. We believe that India's got a huge potential and the potential is in billions of dollars. People from Pakistan are looking forward to develop a marketing network in India," he added.

The exposition, which is a collaboration between TDAP and Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, will showcase over 100 top brands and designers of Pakistan known for their design and quality all over the world in various fields like textile, couture and pret wear, home textiles, furniture, leather goods, accessories, handicraft and jewellery.

"I think with the opening of the border, this trade is going to grow in big and formal way. We have a lot of trades going through third countries, with this now people would be able to trade directly," said Puri.

Some of the well-known designers who are participating are Faiza, Gul Ahmed, Al Karam, Honey Waqar, Shamaeel by Sitara, Maria B and Asim Jofa among others.

"Pakistan fashion evolved over the years and has become a very important segment of business or trade. There are many other products that would essentially make difference to Pakistan trade and to its profile," said Faiza.

Designer Sahar Atif is also looking forward to showcasing her designs in India.

"I have huge expectations because as an individual when I come to India, I am constantly been told that everyone here love Pakistani clothes. So it would be interesting to see how everything works out," she told IANS.

People would also be able to savour some of the delicious Pakistani food too.

"Without the food, Pakistani lifestyle in incomplete. We have brought in different cooks from Pakistan, who will create different kinds of cuisines. They are going to bring you food that would tantalise your taste buds," said Puri.

There is something for art lovers too. The organisers have set up an art gallery, which will showcase works of some of the famous Pakistani artists.