ISLAMABAD, Sept 14: Pakistan and Poland are keen to promote trade and economic relations for mutual benefits of each other as both the countries have tremendous potential for expansion in trade and commerce.

This was observed in a meeting held here on Tuesday between the visiting Polish parliamentary delegation and the ministry of industries and production. The Polish delegation was led by Zdzislaw Kalamaga while the Pakistan side was represented by Ministry of Industries and Production Secretary Mutawakil Qazi. They discussed ways and means to enhance trade ties between the two countries.

The Polish delegation expressed interest in investing in sugar, mining and steel industries. They also offered assistance for modernizing the existing sugar, mining and steel industries of Pakistan. The delegation stressed the need for a close cooperation with each other and showed interest in putting a sizable investment in Pakistan.

The secretary informed the delegation that Pakistan's economy was in a take-off position and industrial growth rate of the country had jumped to 18pc, which indicated positive trends towards strengthening of economy.

He viewed that there was a lot of space for further increasing industrial growth rate and invited the delegation to invest in Pakistan. The delegation was also informed that Pakistan was interested in creating more jobs opportunities to the skilled people and emphasized for promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

The Pakistani side stressed the need for public-private partnership and suggested joint investment in the industrial sector. Pakistan also proposed that businessmen of both the countries should come forward to invest in the SME sector, and governments of both the countries should act as facilitators.

The Polish delegation thanked Pakistan for extending its support and assured these proposals would be put up before the Polish government to convince Polish traders for investing in Pakistan.