September 28, 2002	Saturday	Rajab 20, 1423

SIALKOT, Sept 27: The Asean countries on Friday offered technical assistance and necessary guidance, besides some direct trade relations to Sialkot business community for enhancing the mutual trade.

The offer came from Islamabad-based six ambassadors and high commissioners — Dato Sopian bin Ahmad (high commissioner of Malaysia), Jorge V Arizabal (ambassador of Philippines), Jack Said Gaffar (ambassador of Indonesia), Dato Paduko Haji Ibrahim Bin Haji Muhammad (the high commissioner of Brunei), U. Soe Win (ambassador of Maynamar) and Sornsilp Polteja (ambassador of Thailand) — during a meeting with local traders, industrialists and exporters at Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

Earlier they visited various industrial, units in Sialkot city.

They assured the Sialkot business community of provision of up-to-date trade information of Asean countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laas, Cambodia and Vietnam).

They were highly appreciative of the unique export culture of Sialkot, and said that Sialkot’s exporters have the potential to capture the Asean’s markets, through exporting the traditional and non-traditional diversified exportables.

They said that the business circles of ASEAN and Pakistan would be introduced through the exchange of trade delegations. The participation in trade fairs and exhibitions in ASEAN countries and Pakistan including single country exhibition would be increased and there would be a regular exchange of information on foreign trade regime and other publications through the respective trade offices and other relevant organizations.

Talking to Dawn the ASEAN envoys said they are very impressed to see the international standard craftsmanship and skills of Sialkot-based industrial workers and artisans.

They were satisfied with eradication of child labour from Sialkot’s soccer ball industry.

They said the export-oriented Sialkot city has assumed a model status for the developing world, after the development of its local cottage industries.

Welcoming the offer of joint ventures with ASEAN countries, the president Sialkot chamber of commerce and industry (SCCI) hoped that it would be helpful in promoting trade between Asean and Pakistan.