19 December 2004	Sunday	06 Ziqa'ad 1425

ISLAMABAD, Dec 18: The Netherlands Pakistan Business Council (NPBC) has been established to improve trade relations between the two countries.

This was stated by NPBC Chairman Martin J. Leushuis and Secretary Harry Razing in a meeting with Federal Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan at The Hague.

Mr Khan explained the significance of Expo Pakistan, the mega event being organized by the government in February 2005.

The office-bearer of the NPBC apprised the minister of the efforts made so far, in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan, to promote the event and offered full support.

The minister welcomed the establishment of the NPBC to establish and reinforce linkages between the business communities of the two countries.

He requested them to explore the possibilities of collaboration with Dutch companies particularly in the areas of livestock and floriculture - two strong export-oriented sectors of the Netherlands.

Collaboration in other sectors such as auto parts and technical textiles was also discussed. The minister was of the view that the presence of a significant number of Dutch multinationals in Pakistan meant that the country was not an unknown territory for Dutch businesses.

New companies must, however be attracted, while highlighting the conducive investment climate within Pakistan and the government's commitment to support such initiatives, the minister said.

Earlier, the minister also met his Dutch counterpart Ms C.E.G. Van Gennip for increasing trade between the two countries. Pakistan also sought Dutch help in seeking market access in the EU countries.