Made in Gilgit Project Closing Ceremony 9th May 2017, Lok Virsa, Islamabad

24-May-2017

The National Productivity Organization (NPO) has organized Closing Ceremony of Made in Gilgit project on 9th May 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in Lok Virsa, Islamabad. The ceremony was organized under “Made in Gilgit” project of the USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program.
Honorable Mr. Iqbal Hassan, Minister for Planning, Development and Information, Gilgit Baltistan was Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.
Honorable Mr. Jaffarullah, Deputy Speaker, Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly was also invited to the closing ceremony.

Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Khattak, CEO, NPO gave a welcome note. He thanked honorable Mr. Iqbal Hassan, Minister for Planning, Development and Information, Gilgit Baltistan and Mr. Jaffarullah, Deputy Speaker, Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly for gracing the occasion with their presence. He shared that through these exhibitions people of Lahore and Islamabad were also able to know about the culture of Gilgit and their products.
He said that it is the closing ceremony of the project but it is a new beginning for these crafts persons as it has provided them an opportunity for linkages development and introduce their products in other areas of Pakistan. He emphasized that the Made in Gilgit project is a stepping stone to a future for the SMEs of Gilgit Baltistan. Which will also provide local workforce, financial contribution and economic stability as well as create jobs. He assured to continue supporting these entrepreneurs after completion of the project by providing training and skills building for improving their income and providing livelihood opportunities.

Mr. Sher Nabi, Coordinator, Gilgit Baltistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GBCCI) presented his views on behalf of the GBCCI. He emphasized that GBCCI will continue supporting these beneficiaries even after completion of the project as Gilgit Baltistan has an emerging market globally but due to lack of support from the respective forums it is facing difficulties to represent the local crafts/products to the national and International market. He requested the government to provide support to GBCCI to become more effective for business community in the Gilgit

Remarks by Deputy Speaker, Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly
Mr. Jaffar Ullah, Deputy Speaker, Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly in his remarks appreciated NPO and USAID for executing this kind of project for the people of Gilgit Baltistan and provided them a platform to introduce their crafts to National and Internationally markets. He said that Gilgit Baltistan has abundant of natural resources e.g. gemstones which can be introduced to other markets of the world. Most of these gemstones are in raw form if trainings for value addition provided to the people of Gilgit Baltistan then it can help them improve their income manifold. Similarly, fruits and dry fruits can also be exported to other areas of Pakistan and to other countries if packaging and handling of fruits is improved.
He thanked NPO for inviting him on the closing ceremony and a visit to the stalls of crafts persons of Gilgit.

Closing Remarks by the Chief Guest Minister for Planning, Development and Information, Gilgit Baltistan
Honorable Mr. Iqbal Hassan, Minister for Planning, Development and Information, Gilgit Baltistan was Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony. He thanked NPO for inviting him as a Chief Guest for Made in Gilgit Project closing ceremony. In his closing remarks he said that Gilgit Baltistan is very rich in natural resources and government of Gilgit Baltistan is initiating new projects to enhance the capabilities of people to obtain maximum output from the available resources.
He said that development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor will open new doors for people of the Gilgit Baltistan and provide them a number of opportunities to export their products across borders. Which will in return provide local workforce, financial contribution and economic stability as well as create jobs. He added that it is only the beginning of our long journey.
In his concluding remarks he highly appreciated the commendable efforts of NPO and USAID for providing a platform and marketing opportunities to entrepreneurs of Gilgit Baltistan.

Shields Distribution Ceremony
Shields distribution ceremony was held at the end of the program to appreciate the efforts of all 35 entrepreneurs, their participation in the Made in Gilgit project and exhibitions in Lahore and Islamabad. Mr. Iqbal Hassan, Mr. Jaffarullah and Mr. Abdul GhaffarKhattak presented shields to all participants.

Picture Gallery
Mr. Iqbal Hassan, Minister for Planning, Development and Information, Gilgit Baltistan is being received by Mr. Abdul GhaffarKhattak, CEO, NPO and taking round of exhibitors stalls.
Mr. Jaffarullah, Deputy Speaker, Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly arrival	Cultural activities during Closing Ceremony
Head table from left to right: Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Khattak, CEO, NPO, Mr. Iqbal Hassan, Minister for Planning, Development and Information, Gilgit Baltistan and Mr. Jaffarullah, Deputy Speaker, Gigit Baltistan Legislative Assembly	Shields Distribution Ceremony

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