KARACHI, July 16: Foreign Missions can help in increasing and diversifying exports. They could also guide the business community to penetrate into new markets.

This was stated by Mohammed Saeed Shafiq, acting president, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), during a meeting with Sajjad Ashraf, High Commissioner of Pakistan-designate to Singapore at KCCI.

Mr Shafiq said that in the present global scenario, regional trade had assumed an added importance. Therefore, there is a pressing need to restore the image of Pakistan as a forward-looking country.

He was of the view that it should be the prime duty of high commissions/embassies abroad to promote and improve trade relations, highlight new market segments where Pakistani goods can penetrate.

The acting president of the KCCI said the image of Pakistan projected by the international media is biased and much different from the ground realities. The distortions are the result of out of proportion projection of isolated incidents of terrorism by the international media, he said.

He said that the unjust trade sanctions and visa restrictions were hurting trade. He pleaded that businessmen might be given multiple entry visas to facilitate business. He stressed on the High Commissioner-designate to Singapore to keep a close liaison with the chamber.

He suggested that high commission in Singapore and the Karachi Chamber might develop a coordinated system of information exchange, which would be beneficial to both government and the business community.

He assured all possible help in providing relevant information and cooperation from the Chamber. Sajjad Ashraf said the meeting provided a great opportunity to understand the views of the business community. He stressed that emphasis must be given to the exports. "I shall be the sales man for Pakistani products," he added. -APP