If you have ever been curious about what Iran produces, head over to the Expo Centre in Karachi today, where you will find some of their most interesting handicrafts and cosmetics or home décor on display for the Made in Iran expo.

Ilham, a cheerful Iranian woman, greeted customers and told Aaj News about her brand, Elasa. “I sell healthy organic cosmetics without any chemicals.” She added that she has a Ph.D. in animal physiology and would never test her products on animals. She is visiting Pakistan for the expo and hopes to set up shop here.

The businesses range from oil, gas and petrochemicals, water and electricity, mining, steel and related industries, construction materials and supplies, agricultural industries, food, transit, logistics and transportation, home décor and carpets.

Governor Kamran Tessori, the head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization Alireza Peyman-Pak, and Consul General Hassan Noorian in addition to some other Iranian and Pakistani business officials attended the opening ceremony of the “Made in Iran” exhibition at the Karachi Expo Center.

“Our products are designed in Pakistan and manufactured in Iran,” said Zara Hassan, founder of luxury gifting store, Courtesies. The price range for the gifts, including different types of handicraft home décor, assorted dehydrated fruit trays, gift baskets, and carpets starts from Rs7,500 and goes up to Rs2 million. Zara said that her family has strong ties with Iran and she’s visited the country multiple times.

Their latest handicraft collection is made from Neyshabur (Iranian city) feroza stone and brass, known for its high quality. “Neyshabur feroza is abundant in Iran. If you observe Iranian architecture, you’ll notice it’s used a lot,” he added. The store is based in Beverly Centre, Islamabad.

Most items are not for sale. The goal of the Expo was to give them a chance to publicize their work and to attract potential bulk purchasers. “You can buy on the last day of the exhibition, but not today,” said Mehran Gilak, who ran a stall for garment manufacturer Mahyar that makes socks and T-shirts.

Car coolants, energy drinks, cleaning products, and olives were some of the other products on display. Some of the companies use raw materials or Iran-manufactured products but were founded and based in Pakistan. But most stalls were run by Iranians trying to meet traders so they can set up their stores in Pakistan. Some Iranian salesmen had translators from Quetta and Karachi who could converse in both Persian and Urdu to act as a bridge between sellers and buyers.

An Iranian holding company, Delta group, brought its canned foods and sauces by its company Namakin. “We have more than five companies in Iran, and we’ve been selling different dairy products in Pakistan for the past five years,” said Foreign Trade Manager Amirhossein Sadeghi. “To be honest with you, Iranian products are top quality because, for us, business isn’t just about the money, it’s about customer satisfaction and keeping people happy,”

Amirhossien said he hopes they can expand the business in Pakistan. The Irani dairy products manufactured by Ramak company can be found in Asif Square and Yousuf Goth areas in Karachi.

A store called Mouood Organic sells varieties of honey, chocolate-covered dates, green tea, salt soaps, and lamps. “We’re not based in Pakistan yet but you can place an order for any product online.”

The event licensed by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran is aimed at increasing trade between the two countries.