ISLAMABAD: Minster for Investment Aleem Khan praised Footwear Association exhibition noting high international standards of products and their growing export presence and acknowledged improved ties with international brands and increasing involvement of Chinese companies in joint ventures with Pakistani firms.

In response to Prime Minister's request, exhibition will move to China month earlier this year. He highlighted exhibition's success and commended Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce for their support. Prime Minister has also called for fivefold increase in trade officers, raising their number to around 20. He emphasised that government's role is to facilitate business, not run it. He urged Pakistani businessmen to seize opportunities presented by shift of companies from China due to rising costs. He assured that FBR would assist with taxation, banking and other issues and would advocate on behalf of business community. Process for PIA is advancing, with October 1 set as key date," he said. "Six Pakistani companies, along with international partners from UAE, Malaysia and Turkey are involved in this process and suitable company will take over PIA," he added.