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Czech goods fair in Karachi on 20th

KARACHI: A catalogue exhibition of Czech manufactured goods will be held on February 28 in the Czech Consulate General here. This was stated by Jaroslav Olsa, new Consul General of Czech Republic, during a courtesy call on FPCCI President Fazal-ur-Rehman Dittu in Federation House on Wednesday. Members, Managing Committee, FPCCI, Engr. M.A. Jabbar, Obaidullah Qadri, Humayun Hamid and Anwar Ahmed Khan were also present.

The Consul General said that during the exhibition being organised in collaboration with the National Association of Industry and Transport catalogues, price lists etc. of about 30 Czech manufacturing firms will be displayed. The exhibition will be shifted to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry auditorium on March 1.

The FPCCI President expressed concern over low volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Czech Republic and noted that Pakistan's exports to Czech amounted to $8.03 million and imports $3.86 million in 1998-99.

Jaroslav Olsa said that this was due mainly to lack of knowledge about the potential of bilateral trade among the businessmen of both countries.

He said that according to statistics available with him the two-way trade between the two countries amounted to $30 million, as a major portion of trade was conducted through third parties, mostly German business houses.

The Consul General said that his country, which is presently associate member of European Union, will become full member in two years. Its GDP which grew 1.5 percent last year, is expected to grow by 2.5 percent this year.

He said that 85 percent of state-owned enterprises have been privatised. The country was, however facing problem in the privatisation of banking sector as the banks were heavily indebted. Another big problem being faced by the country was over 10 percent unemployment.