LAHORE: Ambassador of Poland Maciej Pisarski has emphasized the need to further expand trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Poland.

“The total trade volume between the two countries is close to one billion dollars that needs to be doubled, at least. And thanks to the GSP Plus status that enabled Pakistan to export goods worth $800m, while Poland’s exports to Pakistan last year were $128m,” Mr Pisarski said while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Friday.

“I appreciate the LCCI for its commendable efforts and initiatives that facilitated the Polish delegation’s visit to Pakistan,” he said.

LCCI President Kashif Anwar appreciated the efforts of the Polish ambassador in promoting Pakistan’s image globally.

He noted that Poland had shown the world a side of Pakistan that was not usually visible to the international media. He expressed hope that this visit would mark the beginning of a new era of economic cooperation between Pakistan and Poland.

“Poland is one of Pakistan’s major trading partners and is currently the eighth largest export market for Pakistani products in Europe. The bilateral trade volume, which was approximately $423m in 2022-23 should be increased to $2bn,” he suggested.

The ambassador of Poland assured that the investors from his country would fully utilise the available opportunities and that the Polish Embassy was guiding Polish business people regarding the trade prospects in Pakistan.

He pointed out that Poland’s economy, with a size of $1.4tr, was ranked 21st in the world and the sixth-largest economy in the European Union.

He said Poland had been one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU with a 900pc increase since 1990. This year, Poland’s imports and exports are expected to be around $700bn.

Mr Kashif Anwar expressed confidence that the LCCI members would fully benefit from the meetings and enhance networking with their Polish counterparts.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2024