Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the ministry of housing and works will organise the first international housing expo from December 9-11 to help promote the housing industry in Pakistan. This was stated by ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari while speaking at a meeting, reports WealthPK. He said both local and international developers, builders, architects, designers, allied industries and real estate development companies would participate in the expo to showcase their projects and announce state-of-the-art residential and commercial projects.

He invited Graana.com, Pakistan’s first online real estate market place, to collaborate in organising the mega event. Zafar Bakhtawari said the main theme of the expo was “shelter for all” as this was one of the basic rights of every citizen, adding panel discussions would be held on the sidelines of the exhibition, where noted national and international stakeholders would discuss the policy reforms for urban regeneration, technology and experience sharing, eco-friendly, affordable and low-cost housing.

He said exhibitors from 10 countries had shown their interest to participate in the expo, adding there would be exclusive sessions with the Chinese companies. He also said a desk for urban regeneration would be set up at ICCI. The ICCI president called for starting new housing schemes with public-private partnership to develop low-cost and affordable housing for the poor segments of society. He said bylaws should be framed for vertical development and the building of skyscrapers in the capital and other cities of Pakistan.

On the occasion, Shafiq Akbar, CEO of Graana.com, appreciated the initiative of the ICCI and the ministry of housing and works and assured his forum’s collaboration and support in making the event a success. He emphasised that ICCI should focus more on urban regeneration, adding the Capital Development Authority had started the process for online verification of property, and it was important for any investor to make verification of the property before making any investment. He said Graana.com was serving about 12,000 clients and had invested huge amounts in 15 mega projects.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk