ISLAMABAD, Oct 21: Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood has said that Pakistan and Ireland are jointly working to boost the volume of trade between the two countries through products diversification.

The minister expressed these views in a meeting with Ireland delegation here on Monday and discussed with them matters pertaining to bilateral trade.

He also sought Ireland’s collaboration in textile sector. “Textile is a large industry in Pakistan and we look for ways for our textile machinery manufacturers to collaboration,” he said.

The minister further added that Ireland was a major trading partner of Pakistani exports and collaboration in textile industry could be mutually beneficial for the two countries.

Razak also talked about holding of single country exhibition for introducing Pakistan’s products in that country,establishment of export houses or warehouses, regular shipping, Pakistan’s participation in international fairs in Dublin, Travel & Tourism Exhibition, Furniture Fair, ICT Expo etc.

He said that he was hopeful about the Ireland government stance for greater trade access to Pakistan.

Possibilities for joint ventures in rice, chemicals, elements compounds and pharmaceutical products and machinery were also discussed.

Thomas O. Bolster, head of the Irish delegation, assured the minister that his government will undertake all possible steps to further boost the trade relations and facilitate the Pakistani exporters in areas of textile, leather, fruits and sports goods.

He also stressed the need to evolve technical mechanism and exchange of know-how to meet trade requirements.

He identified the investment and trade collaboration areas as automobile industry, construction machinery, software, pesticides, cement, textiles, chemicals, railways etc.—APP