October 20, 2006	Friday	Ramazan 26, 1427

KARACHI, Oct 19: Consul General of Poland Ireneusz Makles has said his country is keen to expand trade and economic ties with Pakistan.

Speaking at a roundtable on ‘Poland and Pakistan economic relations’ held here on Thursday, the consul general said his country was also keen to cooperate in the fields of oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, maritime, engineering and food processing as well as development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

He said that there was a need for establishing joint ventures between Pakistan and Poland in many fields to boost economic cooperation.

Mr Ireneuusz pointed out that vast opportunities exist in the field of textile, leather, furniture, clothing, construction, food processing, hotels, beverages pro ecology projects and marble, building material.

He said that Poland was deeply interested in further development of relations with Pakistan in all the fields.The envoy also felt that there were great economic opportunities in Balochistan and Gwadar Port would soon become the business hub of Asia.

This, he added, would make Pakistan the maritime hub for the region linking Europe and the West with the Central Asian states.—APP