If Pakistan is to follow the economic growth of the United Kingdom it would find retail market at the heart of that, British Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan Francis Campbell told a launch ceremony of two British brands held here at a shopping mall Monday.
Monday saw TONI&GUY-Karachi and POND’S officially launching their new Flagship Salon and Skin Center here in the presence of Minister of State for Finance and Investment Saleem. H Mandviwalla, Chairman Unilever Pakistan Ehsan Malik, CEO TONI&GUY-Karachi Saeeda Mandviwalla and others.
Expressing his delight over having what he said the oldest and youngest British brands joining hands in Karachi, Frances said his country was the second largest foreign direct investor in Pakistan. “Very much so,” he replied when asked if he would like more British firms to come for investment in Pakistan.
“This truly is a remarkable milestone to see two British brands partnering with each other in a highly lucrative market like Pakistan,” he said adding “This unique business expansion not only brings creativity and continuity to the hairstyling and beauty care industry, but is determined steps towards strengthening the bi-lateral trade relationship between the UK and Pakistan.”
Speaking about the growing overseas business investments in Pakistan, the “emotionally charged” Saleem H. Mandviwalla said: “It is our job to promote international investment in the country and I am very pleased that Unilever’s brand POND’S and TONI&GUY-Karachi have decided to expand their operations further.”
He said Pakistan had a huge investment potential where over 700 multinational companies were operational and making profits in double digits. Unilever, he said, was one of the 100 British MNCs that were functional in the country.
“Pakistan is a land of opportunities with low business setup costs, high quality skilled labour and a very strong middle class-support system. We encourage further collaboration between international and local brands to create a market synergy which promotes healthy competition.”
Chairman Unilever Pakistan Ehsan Malik said this unique synergy between POND’S and TONI&GUY-Karachi would only raise the bar higher for the local personal care industry.
“The people of Karachi are highly beauty-conscious and this flagship salon will cater to their every need. POND’S is a world famous skincare brand which has been in Pakistan for a long time and this collaboration will only help us grow with a much younger clientele that TONI&GUY-Karachi is renowned for,” he said.
CEO TONI&GUY-Karachi Saeeda Mandviwalla said the flagship salon and skincare center would provide state-of-the-art hair, nail and skin services to its clientele under one roof. The luxurious TONI&GUY-Karachi and POND’S Skin Center – the state-of-the-art salon and skin center is the first of its kind in the world, where two international brands have joined hands to bring to the Pakistani consumer, the best skin and hair care services.
