KARACHI, Feb 22: The French government has initiated dialogue with the Pakistan government to improve governance, human rights and democracy.

This was said by French Consul General Mr Pierre Seillan, while speaking on Franco Pakistan Relations at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST).

Mr Siellan said Pakistan is the second most important market for French goods in South Asia and bilateral trade in 2006 increased to $1 billion. He said many French companies had or about to signagreements like Sagem, Total, Accor and Carrefour, Renault, ATR, and DCN.

He said the main focus for France was on education and it would establish University of Engineering, Science and Technology of Pakistan (UESTP) in Karachi (a $425 million project) where the vice chancellor and deans will be French nationals. Initially 150 students will be admitted which will increase upto 5000 by 2017.