QUETTA, May 19: Hamesh Daniel, British deputy high commissioner based in Karachi, has said that his country wants to enhance investment and economic ties with Pakistan. Speaking to the business community at a dinner hosted by the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Wednesday night, he said that there were bright prospects for the promotion of trade between the two countries.

“Britain wants to expand trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan,” he said and added that it needed further exploration of each other’s market. Referring to investment opportunities in Pakistan, the British envoy said that a high-level UK trade mission will soon visit Pakistan to further explore Pakistani markets for investment. He said that at present 77 British companies were working in different areas in Pakistan, including Balochistan.

He said his government was giving visas to Pakistani businessmen without any hurdle. “Pakistani traders and businessmen could get the UK visa without any problem,” Mr Daniel said. But he said that the applicants blew 25 years of age could face problem in getting the visa.

The British envoy informed the participants that Pakistan was exporting rice, carpets, fruits, fabrics, tools, garments and other products, while it was importing industrial machinery, power generation machinery, broadcasting equipment, chemicals and medical products from Britain.

“The British share in Pakistani market is around 8.9 per cent,” he said and added that during the year 2004, Britain invested $1,074 million in Pakistan and Islamabad imported $15.5 million worth of different products from his country.

Earlier, Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Shiekh Abdul Aziz pointed out that Balochistan had a big coastal line that had great potential for investment. He said that other fields of investment included fisheries, livestock and mineral.