Hassan Khan: Chocolate diplomacy

Strained relations between south Asian neighbours India and Pakistan might be sweetened with some chocolate diplomacy.

Though that’s not what Hassan Khan, a young Pakistani businessman and CEO of HFK Trading in Dubai, had in mind when he decided to sell chocolates in both countries.

"I want to work as much in India as in Pakistan. I don’t feel any difference. I did not for once feel that India is not my country before taking the licence for the venture. Lakshmi Mittal [UK-based Indian steel tycoon] expressed interest in buying a steel mill in Pakistan. I plan to launch this venture in India where friends have supported me. We are businessmen with universal views," he said.

Khan said he just isn’t interested in politics especially when it comes to his joint venture with New York-based chocolateur Alison Nelson, under whose banner he will launch dedicated luxury chocolate stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Karachi and Lahore by the year end.

"These stores will have much more variety than cafés. There will be leather sofas, beautiful artwork and trendy jazz music. In terms of food, apart from chocolates and desserts, we will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner too, along with coffee and sandwiches," said Khan.

A rectangular bar of Alison’s designer luxury chocolate may be priced at say, Dh25, but Khan wants buyers to consider that it will come wrapped with an attractive cut-glass bracelet!

"It will be a luxury product that’s price-effective," he said. "The concept of these stores is also like a candy shop for grown-ups and a big café where at least 100 people, including families, can sit at any given time to mingle and socialise," he added.