ISLAMABAD: The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) secretariat has agreed to sign a declaration on cooperation with Pakistan during its next biannual meeting to be convened on November 12.

A Norwegian delegation, including Pakistani business community working in Norway, informed Minister of State for Commerce Abbas Khan Afridi in this regard in a meeting on Friday.

The meeting was aimed at finding ways and means to counter negative portrayal of Pakistan in context of corruption and terrorism in Norway and to win confidence of Norwegian investors through media campaign.

The delegation also discussed various options to enhance trade volume, investment and to a promote positive image of Pakistan in Norway.

The meeting was informed that Pakistani and Norwegian business community has established the Pak-Norway Chamber of Commerce and Industry to boost trade and investment between the two countries.

The delegation further said that Norway is only country which has not been hit by recent economic recession and is looking for investment for which Pakistan may be the best option for them.

They strongly criticized that media is focusing only on negative aspects of Pakistan in Norway and there is a dire need to change media perceptions about Pakistan in Norway.

The poor publicity of Pakistan in European countries is one of main reason for low investment in the country, they noted.

The State Minister appreciated the step of establishment of Pak- Norway Chamber of Commerce and Industry and assured that ministry of commerce will do very effort to facilitate business community.

While talking about the media perceptions, he suggested that trade fairs, exhibitions, cultural events and exchange of delegations could be helpful to change Pakistan's image.

EFTA comprises four non-EU states namely Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.