By Muhammad Ahmad sheikh (International Broadcaster/ Journalist.  B bureau chief Mediacom

Article Summary:

 Pakistan mislay massive amount in almost all its trade worldwide due to below-par packing material and pitiable protection method. Little, technical know-how of protection and use of shipment material have added more misery in their businesses. In reality, billions of dollars, Processing and Packing industry couldn't achieve its due status and expansion in Pakistan due to inadequate awareness campaigns and traditional business plan established from years by the policymakers and investors.

Pakistani entrepreneurs and National economy

Pakistan to participate in 19th edition of world largest international trade fair ‘'INTERPACK''
Processing and Packing industry couldn't achieve its due status and expansion in Pakistan
By Muhammad Ahmad sheikh (International Broadcaster/ Journalist) Bureau chief mediacon.
Lahore, 12th March, 2011
First time ever three Pakistani companies enlisted in the forthcoming 7-days event of packaging and processing machinery ‘'Interpack'' scheduled to be held at Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre, Germany, from 12-18 May, 2011. This 7-days event will attract packaging Professionals from packaging and processing machinery, materials and associated technology from all over the world.

To motivate Pakistani entrepreneurs, a presentation ceremony was organised by the Messe Dusseldorf head office in Pakistan on 10th of March, 2010 at a local hotel in Lahore. Not much but some serious investor attended the presentation ceremony. This eye catching presentation was attend by Dr. Thomas Ditt, Head of press and cultural affairs(First Secretary) Embassy of republic of Germany, Mr. Tariq Shafi, vice president and chairman regional committee of federal chamber of commerce and industry and Mr. Shahzad Ali malik President Lahore chamber of commerce and industry.

Dr. Thomas Ditt, in his remarks said that German and Pakistan's trade affairs are very clear and export to Pakistan by Germany has been exceeded to 400 million euro per year. Wonderful business opportunities are available in Germany for Pakistani entrepreneurs and Germany is expecting lot more in better trade activities in future, he added.
Mr. Shahzad Ali Malik, president Lahore chamber of commerce and industry and vice president and chairman of federal chamber of commerce and industry and Mr. Tariq Shafi appreciated the role of exhibitors taking part in INTERPACK and support provided by the German Government to accelerate business activities in Pakistan.

Mr. Shahzad Ali Malik, president Lahore chamber of commerce and industry, in his address said that all members of LCCI are well aware about the about the activities via chamber’s internet and FM radio. He thanked Messe Dusseldorf‘s authorities for their generous support for flood victims in Pakistan. He appreciated the gesture on part of Messe Dusseldorf being the only fair organizer to show their goodwill for the people of Pakistan.

Interpack and Pakistan.

As a matter of fact, trade fairs and exhibitions local or international are functional activities and not only facilitate the entrepreneurs and business owners but influence the entire supply chain, from suppliers to manufacturers, to agents and middle men too. Germany, the United States and Russia are the countries with a high number of trade fairs held annually. Canton fair in Guangzhou, China is a classic example of a well organised international trade fair where businessmen from all over the world converge. Similarly, K 2010 held in Düsseldorf, Germany is one of the premier and biggest trade fairs for plastic and rubber products in the world. Last year 2- Pakistani companies participated and achieved magnificent outcome. Pakistan's Ambassador Mr. Shahid Kamal spend whole day long with Pakistani exhibitors and meet international traders and organisers. He persuaded the investor to come to Pakistan or start joint ventures with Pakistani entrepreneurs. The result was tremendous. This is what Pakistan need at all level.

As for as the trade of processing and packing is concerned, Pakistan mislay massive amount in almost all its trade worldwide due to below-par packing material and pitiable protection method. Little, technical know-how of protection and use of shipment material have added more misery in their businesses. In reality, billions of dollars, Processing and Packing industry couldn't achieve its due status and expansion in Pakistan due to inadequate awareness campaigns and traditional business plan established from years by the policymakers and investors.
Ironically, in Pakistan very few people give the Packaging and related industries due credit or weight. People running the business of various trade bodies and chambers seems inactive or perhaps not many of them realise that Processing and Packing industries is actually the world's third largest industry and the only industry, stayed on, during recent terrible recession spell.
Among the top 15 sales market in packing machinery exported to Asia during the year 2009, Pakistan was on number 12th before Bangladesh and Kazakhstan. Due to rising urbanization, rapid cultural change in life style of Pakistani youth, growing middle class, introduction of new presentation techniques used by courier services and increasing awareness of food safety issues, demand of packing and processing has increased considerably.

INTREPACK trade fair over the years has proven to be amazing network and learning opportunity for entrepreneurs and every one who attend. Pakistani business community can develop skill related to the field of Packing equipment and materials and new technologies of protection against products fabrication that can help them in improving their businesses and aspire towards success. The fair is an international trading platform showcases the latest innovations in processing and packing industries from around the world. Dusseldorf is a premier venue for world trader and professionals from commercial, governmental and non-governmental sectors to meet and make quality business contacts. In 2008, Interpack trade fair attracted about 2746 exhibitors from 57 countries and around 179,000 visitors across the world. Organiser Messe Dusseldorf is expecting substantial increase this year (2011) because of the key role that processing and packing industry is playing in business sector of the world.

As far as the role of Government of Germany is to uplift the Pakistan's economy is concern, Germany remained the top exporter of packing machinery to Pakistan with 34 percent share in the year 2009-2010. Export of confectionary machinery to Pakistan was 63 percent of the world share. The trade organisation of Germany and Government wish to extend such cooperation in future as well.
360 billion US dollars, Processing and Packing industry is waiting Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors to come forward and join the international exhibitors and professional at Dusseldorf and contribute to national economy. Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors must understand the importance of trade fairs and their active participation in INTERPACK, can play a vital role to flourish news businesses and take Pakistan out of present economic crises.

Keywords: Muhammad A Sheikh, Interpack Trade fair Packing industry in Pakistan, Pakistan economy