Latest news with #PakistanMart
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan Mart Project to connect local products with global markets: DG NLC
LAHORE: The Pakistan Mart project is a revolutionary initiative that will serve as a modern and comprehensive platform to connect Pakistani products with global markets. These views were expressed by Major General Farrukh Shehzad, Director General of the National Logistics Cell (NLC), during a presentation at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. President of the Lahore Chamber Mian Abuzar Shad, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, CEO of DP World Dubai Abdullah Hashmi, Fakhar e Alam, LCCI Executive Committee Members Karamat Ali Awan and Imran Saleemi also spoke on the occasion. DG NLC said that Pakistan Mart will prove to be a game-changer as it would boost Pakistani exports, ensure direct access to international markets and enhance the global identity of the 'Made in Pakistan' brand. He added that the state-of-the-art facility will be located in the heart of Dubai's commercial hub and offer easy access to key regions including the Middle East, Africa, South America and beyond, enable exporters to connect directly with buyers and eliminating middlemen. Major General Farrukh Shehzad said that the project is being jointly executed by NLC and DP World, leveraging their combined strengths to deliver a high-impact outcome. LCCI President said that such initiatives are the need of the hour to provide Pakistani industrialists and exporters with world-class facilities. He said that Pakistan Mart could serve as a global launching pad for Pakistan's small and medium enterprises. He hoped that the project would not only strengthen Pakistan's economy but also significantly promote the country's positive image on the international stage. LCCI Vice President Shahid Chaudhry said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with NLC, is ready to organize informational sessions on the Pakistan Mart project to raise awareness among its members and guide them on how to benefit from this opportunity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan Mart to give exporters global access
The Pakistan Mart project is emerging as a promising initiative that aims to transform the country's export landscape by providing a modern platform for showcasing and selling Pakistani products to the world. Described as a potential game-changer by Major General Farrukh Shehzad, Director General of the National Logistics Cell (NLC), the project is being jointly developed by NLC and DP World and will be based in Dubai, a central hub of international trade. Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Shehzad said that Pakistan Mart will offer exporters direct access to international buyers by eliminating middlemen and providing a state-of-the-art trading and display facility in the heart of Dubai's commercial zone. He emphasised that the goal is to enhance the visibility and market reach of Pakistani goods, particularly those produced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), across multiple regions including the Middle East, Africa, South America, and beyond. "The Pakistan Mart will serve as a high-end commercial gateway that not only connects exporters with international markets but also helps establish and promote the 'Made in Pakistan' brand globally," said the DG NLC. He noted that the facility would provide modern logistics, warehousing, and display infrastructure to meet the expectations of global buyers and investors, thereby ensuring a more efficient and credible representation of Pakistani products abroad. The idea of Pakistan Mart is to support Pakistani businesses by creating a one-stop export hub that helps them navigate the complexities of global trade more easily. With many Pakistani exporters struggling to access foreign markets due to logistical hurdles, lack of representation, and high commission fees paid to intermediaries, the launch of this project comes at a much-needed time. It offers the opportunity to level the playing field, especially for small-scale producers who often lack the resources to market their goods internationally. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad endorsed the project, calling it a timely and much-needed step to support Pakistani exporters. "Such initiatives are the need of the hour to provide Pakistani industrialists and exporters with world-class facilities. Pakistan Mart can serve as a global launching pad for our small and medium enterprises," he remarked. He also expressed hope that the project will strengthen the national economy and improve Pakistan's image internationally. Beyond creating trade opportunities, the Pakistan Mart is also expected to contribute to the country's foreign exchange reserves by increasing export volumes and reducing dependence on import-led trade models. Experts believe that if implemented efficiently, the project could generate substantial economic activity, especially in key export sectors like textiles, sports goods, surgical instruments, leather, and agricultural products. Moreover, the visibility of Pakistani products in a high-profile commercial location like Dubai could attract international investors to explore joint ventures or sourcing agreements. The potential ripple effect on job creation, skills development, and industrial growth within Pakistan makes the initiative a long-term strategic investment. The chamber has also committed to playing an active role in promoting the project among the business community. LCCI Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry stated that the chamber, in collaboration with NLC, plans to organise awareness sessions for exporters to inform them about the benefits of Pakistan Mart and guide them on how to participate. By combining public-sector leadership with private-sector efficiency, the project reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovation in trade facilitation. While much depends on its execution, the foundation laid by NLC and DP World is a significant step toward reshaping how Pakistan engages with the global marketplace, he added.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
NLC-DP World delegation meets commerce minister
ISLAMABAD: In a major push towards boosting Pakistani exports, a delegation from NLC and DP World, led by Director General NLC met the Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan. Also present were Fakhr Alam, Vice Chairman DP World and CEO of Pakistan Mart project in the UAE, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister and Muhammad Ashraf, Executive Director General from the Ministry of Commerce. The delegation unveiled a comprehensive presentation on the upcoming Pakistan Mart — a landmark commercial hub to be established near Jebel Ali, UAE. The DP World has pledged its full support by constructing this flagship project at zero construction cost for Pakistani stakeholders. The proposed Pakistan Mart will include commercial units, designed to house warehouses, retail shops, showrooms, and e-commerce fulfillment centers for Pakistani exporters and traders. It is envisioned as a one-stop marketplace to showcase Made-in-Pakistan products to Middle Eastern, African, and international buyers. Minister Jam Kamal Khan hailed the initiative as a 'transformational project' for Pakistani trade and export visibility. He emphasized the potential of sectors such as textiles, garments, surgical instruments, sports goods, food items, perishables, and nutraceuticals, noting that they are well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity. He added that the mart must also cater to e-commerce fulfillment and logistics solutions to tap into the growing digital export market. The Commerce Minister directed all relevant departments of the Ministry of Commerce, including TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan), to urgently coordinate and support the development of this initiative. He assured the delegation of the government's full facilitation in streamlining processes and identifying export-ready enterprises to occupy the upcoming facility. The delegation of NLC and DP World urged the Ministry of Commerce to play an enabling role in selecting tenants, ensuring awareness campaigns, and supporting exporters in utilizing this golden opportunity. Pakistan Mart in UAE is poised to become a landmark step in export diversification, trade facilitation, and Pakistan's economic diplomacy in the Gulf region. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan partners with DP World to open zero-cost export mart in Dubai
ISLAMABAD: The government will establish Pakistan Mart, a commercial hub near Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, to showcase made in Pakistan products to global buyers, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday, adding that DP World will build the facility at no construction cost to Pakistani stakeholders. The development comes as Pakistan pushes for export-led growth after stabilizing its crisis-hit economy with assistance from the International Monetary Fund and financial support from friendly nations. The Gulf region, particularly the UAE, offers critical advantages such as proximity, low freight costs and established Pakistani trade networks, making it a natural launchpad for this initiative. Pakistan Mart is expected to significantly support the exporters of the South Asian state by improving visibility, reducing logistical barriers and allowing direct market access in the region. The mart will also facilitate digital trade and is aimed at helping sectors like textiles, garments, surgical instruments, food, perishables and nutraceuticals. 'When this facility will be established, more than 500 Pakistani retailers, shopkeepers and those who are going to use the warehousing facility will get a window, a platform,' Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said. 'They will showcase their products for Dubai market, UAE market and Gulf market. They will be able to export their products in other regions as well.' 'The good thing about this project is that unless you sell the product, there will be no tax or fees imposed on you,' he continued, adding 'there is a minimum rental for it.' According to the statement issued by the ministry, the project was presented to the commerce minister by a delegation comprising officials from Pakistan's National Logistics Cell (NLC) and DP World, led by NLC's director general. Kamal described the project as 'transformational' for Pakistani trade and directed all relevant agencies, including the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), to urgently coordinate with stakeholders and facilitate export-ready enterprises for tenancy at the new facility. The delegation urged the ministry to take a lead role in tenant selection, awareness campaigns and ensuring that exporters are equipped to capitalize on the opportunity. Pakistan Mart is expected to become a strategic platform for export diversification and economic diplomacy, reinforcing Pakistan's presence in key international markets. It is also expected to attract more Africans buyers to the Pakistani products.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan partners with UAE's DP World to launch export gateway in Dubai
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani exporters and manufacturers are set to expand their global footprint through 'Pakistan Mart' in Dubai, Pakistani state media reported, with the initiative aimed at granting Pakistani products direct access to 'high-demand' markets. The 'Pakistan Mart' is a joint venture between the Pakistan's National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and the UAE's DP World logistics management company to establish a dedicated trade hub in Dubai. The development followed the visit of a high-level delegation representing the NLC and DP World to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported. The delegation was led by Brig. Mohammad Yousaf, Director Plans at NLC, along with Abdullah Yaqoob Al-Sayed Ahmad Al-Hashmi, Head of Traders Markets at DP World, Fakhre Alam, Vice Chairman of DP World, and Junaid Tariq, Director Business at NLC. 'The facility in Dubai will provide state-of-the-art logistics, warehousing, and retail infrastructure to facilitate direct access for Pakistani manufacturers and exporters to high-demand markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South America,' Brig. Yousaf was quoted as saying at a session outlining the scope of Pakistan Mart. Pakistani exporters often participate in major trade exhibitions in Dubai to showcase products ranging from textiles to food and pharmaceuticals. These events offer direct access to global buyers, enhance brand visibility and support Pakistan's efforts to expand its export footprint in the Gulf and beyond. On the occasion, DP World Head of Traders Markets Al-Hashmi described Pakistan Mart as a 'gateway to global trade,' designed to facilitate business through integrated warehousing, logistics and exhibition spaces. The UAE is Pakistan's third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of remittances and foreign investment. Policymakers in Pakistan consider the Emirates an optimal export destination due to their geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions. Pakistan's exports reached approximately $26.9 billion between July 2024 and April 2025, reflecting a 6.4 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the Pakistan Business Council (PBC). Leading export sectors included textiles, food products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and leather goods. ICCI Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui termed the project a 'milestone' on Pakistan's logistics and export landscape, according to the APP report. 'The synergy between NLC's regional capabilities and DP World's global network would provide immense opportunities for Pakistani businesses,' he said.
