Aalishan Pakistan, is yet another milestone in Indo-Pak relations. Rabiya Javeri Agha, secretary, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan tells Karan Bhardwaj it is high time that both the nations explore opportunities beyond ‘cotton’ and ‘lawns’
If Twitter’s trend lists are to be followed, more Pakistani stuff will be found Indians’ timeline than any other country. From cinema, television, fashion to lifestyle, the two nations are busy exchanging notes like never before. Aalishan Pakistan, a lifestyle exhibition to be inaugurated today in the city, is the latest high point in the burgeoning relations. For the next three days, the Capital will witness the best of Pakistan, be it textiles, jewellery, accessories, carpets, furniture or agro products.
A huge delegation from the neighouring country is on a business-showcase trip to India where designers, artisans, musicians, chefs, filmmakers and exporters are taking part. The exhibition is another step in the series of efforts jointly taken by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
“FICCI held Made In India show in lahore which was a complete sold out. In response, we have brought the best of our country here. The response on both the sides has been enthusiastic. There’s a lot of interest in Pakistan for Indian products and vice versa. Because of the similarities in the way we dress and our artisans design, there is a great demand in fashion and textiles, primarily in women’s wear. We love polkis from India, Indians like our jadau ka kaam. Of course, lawn has been a preffered choice for India,” says Rabiya Javeri Agha, secretary, TDAP.
The objective is to encourage trade between the countries to enhance business relationships. While fashion designers and pioneer exporters held a runway show in Taj Palace last night, a group exhibition of Pak artists will be showcased at The lalit today. “Instead of established artists, we have brought the young and promising painters to show their artistic prowess. Apart from that, there are dealers from all the sectors including expensive bridal wear, jewellery, carpets, furniture and interior products. The idea is to show India what Pakistan has in terms of creativity,” she says.
Aalishan Pakistan will also witness the participation of Pak’s renowned chef Bullu Khan and Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, who have come as the cultural ambassadors.
According to Javeri, the inter-regional trade in the south Asian countries needs to be fostered. “If you look at the trade between SAARC countries, it amounts to four to five per cent while the inter-regional trade in EU is 74 per cent. Our regional trade is extremely low, and these are the opportunities to create and enhance synergies,” she says.
Aalishan Pakistan has about 300 exhibitors. “We have also got indie and sufi music artistes from Sindh. These people are not here for trade but to give you a tactile experience and the flavours of the country,” she says. Interestingly, Indo-Pak trade is very low. While Pakistan’s import from India is close two billions, its exports worth 400 million. “The trade is primarily related to food, vegetables, leather but there’s hardly anything on fashion and textiles. We do buy large amount of combed cotton and cotton yarns from India but in terms of value-added textiles, we have hardly anything. We need to go into that,” she says.
Pakistan’s presence in India has certainly grown by leaps and bounds recently only. “We have come to India because of its warmth in hospitality. There is genuine affinity among people. This goes back to history and shared nostalgia. We have been welcomed at all quarters. Indians have really opened their hearts as we did when they came for Made In India show,” she says. Some popular brands that will participate in the exhibition are Bareeze, Chen One, lala Textiles, Kayseria, Khaadi, lawn manufacturers like Al Karam, Gul Ahmed, Asim Jofa and Sana Safinaz.