13 February 2004	Friday	21 Zilhaj 1424

SIALKOT, Feb 12: Swiss ambassador Christian Dunant has offered direct trade to Sialkot, and through Switzerland it could capture "the European international trade and export markets by exporting best quality traditional and non-traditional items."

He was addressing local industrialists and exporters at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. He said the Sialkot exporters had great potential to capture Swiss and European markets through diversification in export items.

Mr Dunant saw bright opportunities of setting up various joint ventures between Switzerland and Pakistan in different trade fields, as various Swiss companies had shown keen interest in establishing joint ventures with Sialkot business community.

He also called upon the two countries to accelerate the pace of trade activities. He assured Sialkot business community about the early provision of up-to-date trade information of Swiss international trade and export markets.

The Swiss ambassador Mr Christian Dunant also announced his full cooperation in modernizing the Pakistan's tourism industry, besides exploring new vistas in this sector.

Later, talking to the newsmen at SCCI, the Swiss envoy said that Pakistan's economy is gradually becoming stronger due to the effective and positive economic policies of the government.

He expressed satisfaction over the complete eradication of child labour from soccer ball industry. Swiss envoy also invited SCCI's delegation to visit and participate in all the major Swiss international trade fairs and exhibitions.

In his address of welcome, the president Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tahir Majid Kapur said that the traditional friendly relations have provided the foundation for a meaningful economic cooperation and bilateral trade between the two countries.

He said the commercial relations between Pakistan and Switzerland have progressed well, however, the trade balance between the two countries is excessively in favour of Switzerland. Mr Enderlin Tim deputy head of Swiss mission and Mr Muhammad Ajmal Swiss commercial attache were also present on this occasion.