Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, has instructed the Ministry of Commerce to take immediate steps for the establishment of an Expo-cum-Display Centre in Islamabad and to secure land for a similar facility in Quetta.Â
This is part of the government’s larger strategy to create a nationwide network of modern exhibition venues aimed at promoting local industries, expanding exports, and enhancing trade opportunities.
The minister gave the directive following a detailed briefing by the CEO of Pakistan Expo Centre (Pvt) Ltd, where plans for small-scale exhibition centres across all provinces were discussed. The new venues will serve as platforms for industry promotion and trade activities, with a focus on showcasing products and attracting foreign investment.
During the meeting, Minister Kamal Khan emphasized the urgency of creating a world-class exhibition venue in Islamabad. The Ministry is considering potential locations within the Pakistan Sports Complex due to its existing infrastructure, which could help cut down on both time and costs.
As part of the plan, the second priority is securing land for an Expo Centre in Quetta, with a preference for sites near the airport to ensure easy access for both foreign investors and visitors. The provincial governments have been tasked with identifying land parcels for similar centres in other cities, with Sialkot and Faisalabad already offering potential sites. Proposals from Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Quetta are under review.
The Expo Centres will feature multipurpose halls and will cater to exhibitions, industrial showcases, and business delegations. The design for the centres will be based on international models, including those from Germany, with flexible and modular structures tailored to Pakistan’s needs.
The meeting also discussed improving the governance of Pakistan Expo Centre (Pvt) Ltd. and restructuring its Board of Directors to streamline decision-making and enhance the centre’s operations.
Minister Kamal Khan highlighted that these centres in secondary cities will help energize local industries, attract foreign investments, and support Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its exports. He also called for improved coordination with provincial governments to fast-track the implementation of this project. Additionally, he directed the Secretary of Industries to provide detailed data on industrial clusters and priority zones in each province to aid the planning process.
