KARACHI, May 12, 2026: The three-day ‘Chemical & Coating Asia Exhibition’ officially commenced at the Karachi Expo Centre on Tuesday, bringing together leading industrialists, manufacturers, suppliers, and international delegates to promote innovation and investment in Pakistan’s chemical and coating sectors.
Spotify Celebrates 20 Years with Personalized “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s)” Experience
The exhibition, organized under the auspices of the Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) in collaboration with Ecommerce Gateway, is being held from May 12 to 14 in Hall No. 3 as part of the 23rd International Trade and Industrial Fair (ITIF Asia).
Sindh Governor Syed Nehal Hashmi inaugurated the event alongside PCDMA Chairman Salim Valimuhammad in the presence of senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and foreign delegates.
Among the prominent attendees were President of Ecommerce Gateway Dr. Khurshid Nizam, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, IBI Co-founder and Senior Vice President Liu Jun Zhai, a delegation of Chinese businessmen, and notable industry representatives including Chaudhry Naseer, VC Shariq Feroz, Nasiruddin Fateh, Shahid Bashir, Shakeel Fateh, Farid Vavda, Mahmood Salam, and Nadeem Baig.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, PCDMA Chairman Salim Valimuhammad highlighted the growing importance of Pakistan-China cooperation in the chemical industry and announced an ambitious target to increase bilateral chemical trade from the current $2 billion to $5 billion in the coming years.
“Our objective is not limited to imports and exports. Pakistan and China must now focus on joint industrial ventures, advanced manufacturing, and technology transfer to strengthen long-term economic cooperation,” he said.
He noted that Pakistan’s total imports during the first ten months of the current fiscal year reached $57.19 billion, reflecting continued industrial demand across key sectors. Between July and December 2025, imports of agricultural and industrial chemicals surged to $5.37 billion, marking a 9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Imports of plastic materials during the same period stood at $1.44 billion.
Salim Valimuhammad further stated that Pakistan imported chemicals worth nearly $2 billion from China in 2023, underlining Beijing’s crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s industrial growth.
“Chinese dyes color our textiles, Chinese chemicals power our factories, and Chinese technology provides employment opportunities to thousands of Pakistanis. This relationship is not merely commercial; it is deeply connected to Pakistan’s industrial foundation,” he remarked.
The exhibition features a wide range of products, technologies, machinery, and industrial solutions from local and international companies. It aims to provide a comprehensive networking platform for manufacturers, suppliers, investors, and stakeholders to explore modern technologies, strengthen business partnerships, and promote industrial collaboration under one roof.
Industry experts believe the event will further boost investment opportunities and accelerate growth in Pakistan’s chemical, coating, plastics, and manufacturing sectors amid increasing regional trade cooperation with China.
