TUSDEC-ACTED consortia participated at the 9th Expo Pakistan which was organized by TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) in Karachi. During the four day event, TUSDEC shared the communal objective of showcasing the collection of Pakistan’s export merchandise and services while promoting ‘Made in Pakistan’ tag to a large number of potential national and foreign buyers. TUSDEC and its partners (ACTED and PMN) participated in the expo to meticulously display the modern crafts prepared by trainees hailing from the district of Jacobabad, Kashmore and Shikarpur. The trainees are the area inhabitants and trainers of local TVET institutes who were trained through ToT sessions organized by TUSDEC in the trades of Hand and Machine Embroidery and Dress Making.
Following the ToT sessions, the beneficiaries sculpted more than 300 value added items under the supervision of seasoned experts to demonstrate their skills progression. Recognizing the significance of market linkages and business development, TUSDEC, ACTED and PMN showcased the crafts of the beneficiaries at the 9th Expo garnering support and appreciation on the master pieces while expanding their business prospects. According to the company spokesperson, the activity proved to be a fruitful venture attracted numerous national and foreign investors who evinced profound interest in the items developed by the project beneficiaries. The source further added that the amalgamation of modern design parameters into traditional crafts of Pakistan while focusing on quality is crucial for image building of ‘Made in Pakistan’ and TUSDEC trained beneficiaries projected an uplifted image by amassing orders from many foreign buyers from Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, UK, Brazil and Tunisia. The event has opened new horizon for the women hailing from impoverished backdrops by establishing their business ties with national and foreign businesses.
TUSDEC in affiance with ACTED (Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development) and PMN (Pakistan Microfinance Network) is implementing the project aimed at improving the access, quality and service delivery of the TVET sector for rural, marginalized communities through innovative approaches. The beneficiaries’ products display at the expo took place to consummate the objectives of the afore-mentioned three year project financed by the Delegation of European Union to Pakistan for Supporting TVET sector in Pakistan.  Huge turn-out at the project beneficiaries’ booth encouraged them to work diligently and adapt to market demands for better and sustainable livelihood prospects while contributing significantly in national development.