ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Belgium to Pakistan Charles DeLogne has said that implementation of GSP+ conventions especially related to labour and human rights and environmental protection would help Islamabad to further improve its trade with EU countries.

During his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Mr DeLogne said that Pakistan should ensure the implementation of the IMF agreement, to save its economy from more problems.

He lauded the skilled human resource of Pakistan and said that the educated and skilled workers can directly apply to Belgian companies from here and the embassy will facilitate them in signing employment contracts in case of their selection.

The envoy highlighted that Belgium is the fifth largest trading partner of Pakistan in the EU and it was interested to further enhance cooperation with Pakistan in various sectors including trade, scientific research and education sectors.

He said that PIA is in negotiations with the EU to reopen its flights and the start of PIA flights would facilitate Pakistan’s trade promotion with EU countries.

Abid Hussain, Trade Commissioner of the Belgium Embassy also present at the meeting.

While ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that Pakistan and Belgium enjoy cordial relations, their bilateral trade of just over $1 billion was not matching the actual potential.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2023