18 September 2004	Saturday	02 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Sept 17: The head of Polish parliamentary delegation, Zdzis law Kalamaga, has called for enhancing the bilateral trade and business relations between Poland and Pakistan.

He was speaking at a dinner reception hosted for the visiting delegation by the Sindh Assembly Speaker, Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah, at a hotel on Thursday. Mr Kalamaga said the existing volume of trade between the two countries, which was to the tune of $55 million, was very low, which could be significantly raised through exploring potential in various sectors of economy.

He said Poland had specialized in modernization of coal mining, steel mills, sugar production etc. Besides, Poland was a leading producer of heavy earth-moving machinery and building equipment, and had share in the Pakistan's market in this very sector, he added.

He said a Polish business delegation would soon visit Pakistan for enhancing interaction between the businessmen of the two countries. He said people of Pakistan were very friendly and hospitable. He thanked Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz for inviting the delegation to Pakistan.

While talking to the APP, Mr Kalamaga said he would convey his observations to Polish chamber of commerce, entrepreneurs and businessmen about the conducive business environment in Pakistan.

About imports of agricultural commodities etc, from Pakistan, he said the prices were very competitive here. Earlier, Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah briefed the guests about the functions of the provincial government.

He said the two countries shared interests and perception on most of the issues relating to international relations. Mr Shah said Pakistan today was a frontline state in the war against terrorism, and under its present leadership it was committed to fight terrorism on all fronts, specially in this part of the world.

He said the visit of Polish parliamentary delegation would have positive effect on bilateral relations between the two countries, and would help explore the possibility of enhanced trade.

The speaker said there was tremendous potential to enhance trade ties between the two countries, as Poland was a highly industrialized country. The visit of the Polish delegation to Karachi, which was the economic hub of the country, and its interaction with local businessmen would help enhance business relations between the two countries, he added.

He said, "We look forward to many more interactions at parliamentary level, as parliamentarians have mandate of the people of their countries to take. -APP