8 March 2014. It was a mission rich of appointments the one organized by UNIDO in Pakistan, within the framework of the “Joint UNIDO-SMEDA-Italy Program”. The delegation had the opportunity to comprehend closely the potential of Pakistani market, particularly in the auto parts-manufacturing and machinery components, two of the most promising sectors in the country.

In fact, the delegation can see the importance of this sectors thanks to the participation at the Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS 2014), organized from 6^th to 8^th March in Lahore, which was an important opportunity also for new commercial deals, particularly for small and medium enterprises.

During the mission, the delegation had several meetings with a large number of Pakistani companies from different sectors: from agriculture, leather products, to pharmaceutical industry. Particularly significant was the meetings with the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PGMEA). The Investment Promotion Unit (IPU), also part of the “Joint UNIDO-SMEDA-Italy Program”, equipped the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) with COMFAR III, a software that facilitates the investment analysis developed by UNIDO.

Thanks to the activities of the mission, the delegation found over thirty investment opportunities in Pakistani economy that UNIDO is going to examine: the aim is to offer to Italian companies new business deals and investments opportunities in developing countries, like Pakistan.