Govt targets trade boost with new Expo Centres in Islamabad and Quetta

September 25, 2025 (MLN): The government has prioritized the establishment of an Expo-cum-Display Center in Islamabad and the identification of new land for the Quetta Expo Centre as part of a broader plan to develop a nationwide network of modern exhibition and display facilities.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan issued these directives during a detailed briefing by the CEO of Pakistan Expo Centre (Private) Limited at the Ministry of Commerce.

The plan aims to strengthen local industry, boost exports, and create new trade opportunities by setting up small-scale Expo and Display Centers across all provinces.

The Minister stressed that the first priority is the Expo-cum-Display Center in Islamabad, where potential sites within the Pakistan Sports Complex are under consideration to save time and costs.

The second focus is on securing land for the Quetta Expo Centre, preferably near the airport, to ensure easy access for foreign visitors and investors.

The CEO informed that initial designs would be prepared under an open bid model, with construction to begin once funding is confirmed through the Export Development Fund (EDF), Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), or PC-1 approval process.

Letters have been sent to provincial governments and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to identify suitable land parcels, with Sialkot and Faisalabad already offering sites while proposals from Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Quetta are under review.

The plan also includes building smaller, multipurpose halls in secondary cities for exhibitions, business delegations, and industrial events, with international best practices being studied to introduce flexible, modular designs.

The meeting further discussed the formation of a new Board of Directors for Pakistan Expo Centre (Private) Limited to strengthen governance and project execution.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan assured full policy and administrative support, directing the Secretary Industries to provide detailed clusters and priority areas from all provinces by next week to accelerate decision-making, funding, and construction phases.

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