The representative of the Sheltec paid a formal short visit to the office of the Convener Exhibition Muhammad Akram Badshah. They ware received warmly and were offered a kind hospitality before they conducted an elaborate interview with the respected host. Here are some of his valuable views on the 4th Industrial Exhibition held in Gujranwala.

Q:-
Tell use about your experience of organizing this year's exhibition?
A:-
Like the previous year, this year too we are looking forward to have a positive response from the public in the exclusive event. More and more enterprenuers and businessman have shown their keen interest and are going to put their locally manufactured items on display. We really feel bad that we have refused to accommodate more parties because of certain reasons, but we have honestly tried to compensate for it by allowing more stalls to be put up. This year the famous Master Industry is back with a whole range of new sanitary products and their recently launched granite tiles.

Q:-
Who else has played a role in organizing the exhibition effectively?
A:-
This year the credit for organizing the exhibition also goes to all the office bearers of GCCI that includes President GCCI Mr. Shaukat Javed, Senior Vice President Mr. Sheikh Muhammad Ali and Vice President Mr. Asad Elahi. I also appreciate the efforts of Mr. Ikhlaq Butt, Khawaja Tahir Hasan, Khawaja Zarar and Riaz Mehmood Bajwa.

Q:-
How the exhibition helps in the exposure of Gujranwala products in Pakistani market and also in international market?
A:-
When the foreign business delegations visit the site, it arouses their sense of curiosity and commercial instinct. They, of course, display keen interest in the various products and the demand of goods goes up and up not only in the local market but also aboard. Unofficial visits by foreign business communities also help a lot in popularizing local products e.g. the visit made by the Iranian delegation and the high commissioner of Sri Lanka. Moreover, the members of GCCI provide the foreign delegation with the lists and chamber CDs to sharpen their interest in the products.

Q:-
What is the main purpose of their exhibition, entertainment of the public or exposure of Made in Gujranwala products?
A:-
The purpose of this exhibition is to popularize the industrial products manufactured locally. The standard of quality is always given a top priority whereas element of entertainment comes as a secondary priority.

Q:-
Is this exhibition for monetary purpose?
A:-
It is out of question that it will bring any monetary gain to GCCI. Rather the expenses have to be borne by the GCCI without any selfish motives.

Q:-
MIG commercial image has undermined its importance as an industrial exhibition. What do you think? The visitors of the exhibition are general public and not the buyers of the products at display. Please elaborate.
A:-
This is not so at all. The export of Gujranwala has increased from 125 million to about 200 million during the last 3 years which is a clear indication of its popularity among business community. This even excludes the export of rice which is our main commodity. The ambassadors of different countries are willing to visit the industrial exhibition from the trading point of view. A delegation from Kenya visited the place and expressed their feelings of satisfaction over the display of different items. No Indian delegation has yet paid any visit but we are looking forward to it.

Q:-
What have been the positive effect of last three exhibitions on the business and trade of Gujranwala?
A:-
Since the inception of the industrial exhibition, there has been a tremendous boost in the trade and commerce activity in Gujranwala. More and more small industrial units are been set up to cater to the demands of a larger community.

Q:-
There had been no concerts or events for public entertainment during the last three years what entertainment/events can the public expect this year?
A:-
This year the management of the Industrial exhibition has arranged a number of colorful events for the entertainment of the general public. It includes musical concerts, Mehfil Samma, Children day, family day, Mehfil-e-Mushaira in which Indian & Pakistani poets are going to participate.

Q:-
Are you satisfied with the Government's role?
A:-
Well! We are quite satisfied with the government's help and moral support in organizing the industrial exhibition. The Government has also provided security to the visitors, the stall holders and the industrialists to ensure the maintenance of law and order.

Q:-
How have you ensured the control over the prices of food items and others this year?
A:-
This year the management of the Industrial Exhibition has taken pains to keep the prices, particularly of the food items, at par with the local market. They have expressed their confidence that they would keep a strict watch on the price lists of the different stall holders to ensure that they are not selling their food items at exorbitant rates. Last year it so happened that some of the vendors over charged the customers. But this year, they have rest assured that such cases would be dealt with an iron hand. Moreover, the stall holders have been directed by the management to sell their products to the customers at the factory rates rather than the retail prices. At the same time, they have been asked to maintain the quality of the products under all circumstances.