“We are expecting double the business which we did last year in Ludhiana. This year, we have brought more variety of furniture and garments because last time we were not able to meet the demand,” he said.
Apart from this, Pakistan’s famous astrologer Shahjad Khan was the most sought-after person in the exhibition. Sufi singers at the entry of the expo were seen singing Multani songs to greet the customers.
Women thronged in large numbers on the first day of the exhibition. “We have women exhibitors more in number. A number of them have appointed agents in Punjab where they can supply their goods after the expo,” Barlas said.
Javed, a trader, came with Punjabi juttis from Islamabad.
Khurshid, another trader, said that more number of items need to be opened up between both the countries which would bring the rate of many products down. “As Pakistan has said to consider giving MFN status to India, we are hopeful that after it is implemented, the trade will boost manifold,” he added.
Khurshid said, “Border tension is temporary and it has no impact on trade relations.”