ISLAMABAD, Nov 06 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday called for greater international promotion of Pakistan’s traditional products, cultural heritage and skilled workforce to expand the country’s exports, trade and global economic engagement. He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the New York Chamber of Small Business Corporation’s office in Lahore. Gilani congratulated the chamber’s management on the inauguration and appreciated the initiative to strengthen …
Gilani calls for global promotion of Pakistan’s traditional products, skilled workforce
ISLAMABAD, Nov 06 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday called for greater international promotion of Pakistan’s traditional products, cultural heritage and skilled workforce to expand the country’s exports, trade and global economic engagement.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the New York Chamber of Small Business Corporation’s office in Lahore.
Gilani congratulated the chamber’s management on the inauguration and appreciated the initiative to strengthen business links and promote Pakistan’s commercial presence internationally.
He said Pakistan had enormous potential in traditional products and skilled human resources that could be introduced to international markets.
He highlighted traditional crafts, including embroidery, blue pottery, ceramics, khussa, Sindhi Ajrak and the Ajrak of the Saraiki region.
He said these products reflected Pakistan’s rich cultural identity and offered significant opportunities for exports and international branding. Gilani particularly highlighted the potential of Ajrak-based garments, including shirts, saying other countries had successfully promoted their traditional textiles in international markets.
Referring to Multan as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning more than 5,000 years, he said its cultural heritage deserved greater international recognition. He compared the city’s historical significance with that of Damascus.
He said Multan’s blue pottery, ceramics and traditional craftsmanship should be promoted more widely in international markets. The chairman also stressed the need to develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting international market demands.
He said Pakistan’s youth could play an important role in the global employment market, particularly in fields requiring technical, professional and software-related skills.
Effective skills development and greater international exposure, he added, could create opportunities for young Pakistanis to work abroad and contribute to the country’s economy.
Gilani also called for greater engagement with Pakistani communities and business associations abroad, particularly in the United States. He said these communities had established strong professional networks and made significant contributions in various fields.
He said these connections could help promote Pakistani products, facilitate trade and project a positive image of the country internationally. The chairman acknowledged the contributions of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), particularly its work in healthcare, medical education, research and humanitarian services.
He said the Pakistani medical diaspora was helping strengthen the country’s international links and project a positive image of Pakistan. Gilani also referred to his association with the Global Muslim Business Forum, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. He expressed confidence that greater engagement with international business networks would create new opportunities for Pakistan’s economic and commercial promotion.
He said Pakistan’s achievements, cultural diversity, entrepreneurial potential and positive contributions needed greater international visibility. “We are working for peace, prosperity and development. Pakistan is committed to moving forward from the challenges of terrorism towards playing a constructive role as a facilitator and mediator for peace and cooperation among nations,” he said.
Gilani expressed optimism that continued engagement among business communities, international organisations and the Pakistani diaspora would strengthen the country’s global standing and create opportunities for trade, investment and employment.
