Economic and business exhibitions

In Pakistan, economic and business exhibitions play an important role in driving economic growth. These events serve as hubs for networking, business expansion, showcasing innovation, and attracting foreign investment, which are all crucial to economic development. In present years, exhibitions in Pakistan have seen increased interest and participation across sectors like technology, International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), agriculture, textiles, energy, and consumer goods, contributing to various growth aspects of the economy. Presently statistics showed that IMF has projected GDP growth rate for Pakistan at 3.2 percent for 2025 against 2.4 percent in 2024. Pakistan’s economy continues to face significant fiscal and external challenges, including high inflation, soaring public debt, and a widening unemployment crisis. Exhibitions allow local businesses to showcase their products and services to international buyers, opening up opportunities for trade and export growth. These exhibitions also attract foreign investment by exposing international companies to the Pakistani market. Foreign investors and companies can engage directly with local businesses, governments, and potential partners, creating avenues for joint ventures and direct investments in Pakistan. FDI in our country experienced a remarkable 48 percent increase during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025. As per the the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan attracted FDI totaling $771 million from July to September 2024, as against to $520 million during the corresponding period in FY2024, marking an increase of $251 million. Furthermore, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to Pakistan’s economy, gain exposure and access to new markets through exhibitions. SMEs are recognized as a crucial force in poverty reduction, contributing to job creation, elevating living standards, and playing a pivotal role in ensuring fair income distribution. Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has collaborated with Revenue Mobilization Investment Trade (ReMIT), which is a four-year project (June2020-June 2024) that aims to promote and enhance the international trade competitiveness of Pakistan. These events allow them to build networks, increase brand visibility, and form business relationships, which might otherwise be difficult because of resource limitations. The Experts recorded that the exhibitions offer a platform for the exchange of ideas and technologies like businesses and startups have the chance to display their innovations. Technology transfer from international exhibitors encourages modernization in sectors. The exhibition sector itself creates a large number of career opportunities, from event management to hospitality and logistics. Moreover, the business generated by these exhibitions has a ripple effect on employment in industries like transportation, retail, catering, and marketing. Sources recorded that regional exhibitions, such as those involving participants from South Asia and the Middle East, encourage trade and cooperation between Pakistan and neighboring states. These events serve as a bridge for enhancing political and economic ties by fostering cross-border business relationships and partnerships. As Pakistan works to strengthen regional trade through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), exhibitions assist build networks, attract investors, and establish Pakistan as a hub for trade in the region.

No doubt, sector-specific exhibitions create opportunities for industry experts, policymakers, and investors to discuss trends, challenges, and future possibilities, resulting in strategies and policies that support long-term growth. By showcasing Pakistan’s unique goods and services, exhibitions assist create a positive brand image for the country, encouraging pride in local industries and building a reputation that boosts exports. Major exhibitions attract international participants, promoting tourism and the hospitality sector. Hotels, transport services, and local businesses benefit from increased demand, adding revenue to Pakistan’s economy and enhancing its image as a viable destination for international visitors.

Challenges in Pakistan

• Political and security unrest in certain areas can deter international exhibitors and participants.
• Limited exhibition spaces, transportation issues, and underdeveloped logistics systems make it tough to host large-scale international exhibitions.
• Because of limited marketing budgets, many of Pakistan’s exhibitions do not reach their full potential in terms of international attendance.
• Visa restrictions, lengthy application processes, and regulatory bottlenecks discourage international attendees.

Conclusion

In last, economic and business exhibitions contribute considerably to Pakistan’s economic development by fostering trade, encouraging investments, supporting SMEs, and driving innovation. Addressing challenges such as infrastructure and regulatory issues would further enhance the impact of these events, making exhibitions a powerful tool for economic growth and regional trade integration in Pakistan. This year’s (2024) IDEAS exhibition marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s defense cooperation measures, bringing together worldwide defense industry leaders under one roof. The event has established itself as a premier platform for international defense collaboration and technological exchange.