A hundred Pakistani textile companies, including top brands such as Khaadi, Ittehad, Gul Ahmed and Alkaram and Lala Textile, are showcasing their products at an exhibition in Mumbai that is attracting large crowds, especially women.

The Made in Pakistan Expo 2014, the first solo exhibition of Pakistani textiles, was inaugurated by Abdul Basit Khan, Pakistan’s new High Commissioner in India, and Kamal Morarka, Chairman, World Trade Centre, Mumbai, on Friday. The exhibition is on till Monday.

“I like Pakistani lawn suits and have come here to buy as many as I can. They are different and make you special in a gathering,” said Aditi from Tardeo, South Mumbai. Word of mouth publicity has helped people find their way to the exhibition where leading Pakistani brands in textile fabric, fashion garments, lawn print suits (stitched and unstitched), designer footwear, onyx and herbal teas are on offer.

“We are keen on setting up stores in Mumbai and Delhi. We are retailers and want to do it directly,” said Danish Adamjee, Chief Operating Officer, Khaadi, which has 40 stores in Pakistan and abroad.

“Export volume to India is insignificant. We want to have direct trade relations with India which will benefit both counties,” said Rukhsana Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Pakistan.

“The world is changing very fast. The problems between India and Pakistan are dragging us down. We should get out [of] this negative narrative and move ahead in trade relations. I hope this show becomes a permanent feature,” said the Pakistani High Commissioner.

The exhibition has been organised by the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) in collaboration with EVECON under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce & Textiles of Pakistan and the All India Association of Industries.