KARACHI, Oct 22: The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Poland has registered a steady growth in the last few years from $24 million in 1997 to $43.3 million in 2000.

This growth is conspicuous against the backdrop of the downfall of Polish trade figures with several countries of Asia and the Middle East”, said Janusz Bylinski, Consul General of Poland in an interview to APP.

The underlying trend of this trade, he pointed out, is towards a balance: the Pakistani exports to Poland grew from around $4 million in 1995 to $21.5 million in 2000.

He said this financial year, the exports to Poland from Pakistan are anticipated at $36-37 million and the imports at $11 million.

The main goods traded include milk powder, paper, steel products, roller bearings, chemicals, machinery and industrial plant from Poland and textile made-ups, knitted apparel, sports goods, rice and vegetal produce, surgical instruments, gloves, leather and leather products from Pakistan.

He said Poland’s 70 per cent exports go to developed countries and especially the European Union.

The consul general said the Pakistani businessmen should survey Polish market. He said Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has a good understanding of the potentials offered by Polish markets.

Bylinski suggested that instead of third country trade, Pakistani businessmen should go for direct trade.

He said that the business relations were not confined to trade in goods - a Polish company has invested in oil and gas exploration in Pakistan and another one was offering drilling services in the same sector.

He pointed out that trade was carried out principally by operators from the private sector through direct sales or agency agreements. “There is, at the moment, no barter or countered arrangement, and there is no government level agreement concerning financial or technical assistance or development programmes,” he said.

He said bilateral bushiness was regulated by two framework agreements. On trade (most favoured nation) and avoidance of double taxation.

He pointed out that in Karachi the Consulate General has the task to assist and actively promote the strengthening of business relation.

To some extent, he said, trade is hampered by the lack of direct shipping line and limited personal contacts.—APP