"Discover the Resources & Potential of Pakistan through Trade and not Aid." is scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on October 3-4, 2009.

Under the Chairmanship of Sheikh Humayun Sayeed, FPCCI Standing Committee meeting on Foreign Investment and Trade Delegation for the year 2009-10, was held at Federation House, Karachi on July 10, 2009 to discuss the strategies and plan for undertaking the preparatory activities for the organization of an "International Private Sector Investment Conference / Business Forum and Exhibition" in Islamabad, Pakistan, on October 3-4, 2009 under the theme "Discover the Resources & Potential of Pakistan through Trade and not Aid."

The main objectives of the Forum are the promotion and enhancement of investment and trade ties between Pakistan and participating countries. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Zakaria Usman, Vice President and a large number of members of the Committee. Sheikh Humayun Sayeed gave the background information on the holding of the event. Mr. Syed Nasir Ali Mirza, Chief Co-coordinator gave a brief presentation on the objectives and programme of the event.

It was agreed that the event will give the participating countries an opportunity and a platform for economic and business activities that will engage them in commercial dialogue, networking with their counterparts from Pakistan for exchanging views on current economic trends and establishing business relationships with a wide spectrum of industries for advancing trade-led economic growth.

It was agreed that it is of utmost importance to hold such a mega event in Pakistan and to invite some honorable key personalities around the Globe to build the image of Pakistan in this present world crisis. It was also agreed that a group of five delegations would be sent to Europe, Africa, Asia, Middle East and CIS Counties to widely publicize the event. The well known and highly reputed persons from Pakistan would be inducted in the Committee to promote the event. All the relevant institutions such as Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Investment, Board of Investment (BOI), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Ministry of Industries and Production and other relevant Ministries, Government of Pakistan would be approached to extend their support and cooperation in strengthening the hands of the private sector in organizing this important event.

It is expected that a large number of key international personalities, dignitaries, businessmen, industrialists, investors and International Banks and Financial Institutions from both the developed and developing countries would attend the Forum and the Exhibition.