RAWALPINDI: Canadian High Commissioner Perry Calderwood on Tuesday said tremendous potential existed to enhance trade between Pakistan and Canada as both countries had significant trade volume and longstanding economic relations.

“Pakistan and Canada can enhance their trade and investment cooperation in different sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, mining and infrastructure, etc.,” the envoy stated this during his visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

He said that Pakistan and Canada had a very broad relationship as both countries had been cooperating with each other in a range of areas for past many decades.

“The current trade volume can be increased from $1 billion to $5 billion in next couple of years,” he said.

“The Canadian government appreciates Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and will be contributing and supporting through its development aid to its government for complete eradication of polio,” he said.

He said that Pakistan was among those countries which were vulnerable to climate change, being member of Paris Agreement on climate change, Canada would continue its support and cooperation with Pakistan to meet the challenges of global warming.

While answering a question, Mr. Calderwood said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would help Pakistan to improve its regional integration and connectivity.

“The security situation has improved in Pakistan and this will attract foreign direct investment,” he further said.

“Canada appreciates Pakistan’s contribution to world peace being the major contributor to UN peacekeeping force around the world,” he said and expressed keenness for making all out efforts towards encouraging the Canadian businessmen and investors to come to this part of the world.

The Canadian High Commissioner further informed that they were also active in the area of women economic empowerment which was one of the priorities of the development programmes for Pakistan.

“Women economic empowerment is a priority of Canada’s government, both in domestic policy and also in foreign development policy,” he said.

Raja Amer Iqbal, President RCCI, in his address of welcome, stated that Pakistan and Canada shared longstanding economic and political relations by working together in various fields.

He underscored that the RCCI wanted to promote business, mutual understanding and friendly relations between the business communities of Pakistan and Canada.

“There is a need to promote trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, advocate steps to foster and organise trade and investment delegations, trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars and meetings, etc.

He said that Pothohar region had a tremendous potential in pharmaceutical, poultry, marble and gems and jewelry sectors.

“Joint ventures can play a vital role here to promote trade ties between the two countries,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2017