Several companies from Pakistan have been showcasing their products at the annual National Manufacturing Week exhibition in Melbourne hoping to increase trade and business between the two countries.
These companies make products such as safety wear, work wear and personal protective equipment.
Ahad Malik from Leathertex Group told SBS Urdu that this is the first time they are exhibiting in Australia.
“So far we have only been approached by people with small orders or single time buyers. We have not come across any big orders yet,” he said.
“The main challenge [when exhibiting for the first time] is to figure out who the main distributors and buyers are and how can we contact them," he added.
Another exhibitor M Usman from Swisspo also said that the main challenge when exhibiting in a new country is understanding the local market.
Source: SBS Urdu
“It’s a different mindset wherever you go, [understanding] the local market is key,” he said.
Sarfraz Bhatti from F.S Candino is exhibiting in Australia for the second time. He told SBS Urdu that exhibiting just one time is not enough to break into a market.
“You need to at least exhibit two or three times to understand the local market and find opportunities.
“The Australian government has given us the opportunity to come here and exhibit which is great but I would request them to review their process for visas and make it easier so more companies can avail this opportunity.” he further added. 
Muhammad Aleem Tahir from Pak Benelux Safety Wears said the response hasn’t been great so far.
Source: SBS Urdu
“This is not the type of exhibition we want as it seems to be more focused on manufacturing tools rather than safety wear,” said Mr Tahir.
The companies are being supported and assisted by the Pakistani Consulate from Sydney as part of the Emerging Pakistan initiative.
Consul General Abdul Majid Yousfani said he believes the response has been very positive so far. He also says that the process of acquiring visas for business should be improved.
“We would like the Australian government to make the process easier for acquiring visas. One of the companies could not make it due to last minute visa refusal," said Mr Yousfani
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Business delegation from Pakistan showcasing products at National Manufacturing Week 2019. Source: SBS Urdu
