RAWALPINDI: Argentinean Ambassador Ivan Ivanissevich has said his country was keen to enhance trade with Pakistan.

“We need to further enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors of Pakistan and Argentina,” he said during a visit to Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Friday.

He assured that his embassy would facilitate the exchange of business delegations between the two countries. “Regular exchange of business delegations, business and industrial exhibitions, exchange of information, close cooperation between the chambers of commerce of the two countries will enhance trade,” he said, adding Argentina can go for joint ventures in Agriculture, pharmaceutics, alternate energy and passengers transport.

He was accompanied by Commercial head/deputy head of mission Guido Maiulini. President Mian Humayun Parvez, Senior vice President Saqib Rafiq, Vice President Muhammad Aqil Obaid, members of the executive committee and a large number of traders were also present on this occasion. The ambassador said both countries could set up joint venture programmes in Pakistan for the upgrading of the livestock sector and could provide assistance in the processing of meat in Pakistan.

“With high tech equipments, like satellite imagery, Pakistan can take benefit from Argentine to improve its agri-based industry,” the ambassador maintained.

Earlier, the RCCI president, Mian Humayun Parvez, said the trade volume between the two countries is very low. He said bilateral trade volume had risen to over $450 million at present. Pakistan’s exports to Argentina are textile yarn & fabrics, sports goods, surgical instruments, articles of apparel/cloth accessories and some chemical products.

To take the benefit out of the existing opportunities, exchange of delegation is important, he added.

A short presentation related to the RCCI current and future events was also shown to the guests. In the end a memento was presented to the envoy.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2016