Made in Kashmir shows in Dubai

Srinagar, Apr 27 (UNI) A series of ''Made in Kashmir'' fairs, shows and exhibitions will be organised in several countries from August this year.

This would be preceded by a mega 11-day exhibition and shopping show, the third in the row, at Nehru Park in the world famous Dal Lake here from June 29 to July 9.

Both the shows would be organised by Safeways Exhibitions in collaboration with the Impact International, a German-based company which gives instant octonorm infrastructure development solutions.

Addressing a news conference here, Safeways Exhibitions Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fabehiyan Wahid said the first of the ''Made in Kashmir'' shows and stand-alone fairs would be organised in Bangladesh in mid-August this year.

The exhibition then would go to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Trafalgar Square in London and return to Delhi in February, he added.

''The idea behind the international series of exhibitions is to showcase Kashmir, its culture, crafts and handicrafts besides highlight its tourism potential,'' Mr Wahid said.

He said the theme of the shows would be ''Presenting Kashmir on an Interactive Platform''.

Mr Wahid said the territorial development of Kashmir needed a coherent infrastructure development concept.

''We propose 2006 to be the infrastructure development year. It will be imperative for the Jammu and Kashmir government and business houses to promote more participation in this sector,'' he added.

The CEO said as many 134 exhibitors had participated in last year's mega show which generated a revenue of Rs 8.3 crore.

''This year, we are expecting the participation of 68 foreign exhibitors besides those who had taken part in the previous two shows. There may be more than 164 participants this time,'' he said.

However, Mr Wahid lamented that visa formalities and single window permission were some of the hurdles coming in the way of attracting huge foreign participation.

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