An exhibition of construction materials in Karachi, organized by the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan [ABAD], generated high hopes for developing high-rise buildings. The exhibition generated hopes for expected investments of $800 million, which was to be almost half through foreign direct investment of $1.6 billion, which was received in the previous fiscal year. Understandably, many people had found it difficult to believe that a three-day exhibition – however effective it might have been could attract that kind of investment within a few months.

The overwhelmingly positive response to the exhibition has raised people’s expectations about foreign investment. For example, ABAD representatives say they expect investment agreements valuing $800 million in the next few months. While the expo’s success justifies optimism, many observers believe citing such figures give rise to scepticism and dilute the effectiveness of the message.

After all, the expected investment of $800 million is almost half of the total foreign direct investment of $1.6 billion that the country received in the last fiscal year. Understandably, many people find it difficult to believe that a three-day exhibition – however effective it may have been – can attract that kind of investment within a few months.