Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and First Lady Nusrat Pervez on Friday inaugurated the SAARC-AHAN convention and exhibition of handicrafts aimed at addressing the region’s issue of poverty.
The two-day event titled ‘South Asian Convention and Exhibition on Handicrafts – Alleviating Poverty through Skill Development’ was being organised by Aik Hunar Aik Nagar (AHAN) in collaboration with SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC-CCI), at the Pak-China Friendship Centre.
The Prime Minister visited various stalls set up by the SAARC countries and evinced keen interest in display of items. He appreciated the level of skill and creativity demonstrated through the artefacts.
Prime Minister Ashraf also lit a traditional brass oil lamp at the Sri Lanka’s pavilion that depicted a source of knowledge.
Chairperson AHAN Samina Khawar Hayat appraised the Prime Minister about the exhibition that aimed at skill enhancement of the region’s artisans.
She said AHAN was working on the capacity building of people in the areas of product development, technical up-gradation, marketing and promotional support and financial support through linkages with microfinance institutions.
She said AHAN was striving for significant economic uplift of the rural communities, making a difference in the lives of poor producer groups of Pakistan.
The exhibition would continue until February 24.