LAHORE, Aug 31: The Australian government values its relations with Pakistan and is keen to strengthen economic ties, Australian Senate president John Hogg on Friday said this during a visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Senator Hogg, who was heading a 17-member parliamentary delegation, met with LCCI office bearers including its president Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, senior vice president Kashif Younis Meher, vice president Saeeda Nazar and others.

The Australian delegation included Senator Sean Edwards, Senator Hon David Johnston, Ms Jill Hall, Ms Julia Clifford, Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward and Federal Agent Andy Davies.

Senator Hogg stressed the need for close contacts between the businessmen through use of modern technology like video conferencing in order to develop deep and lasting linkages and networks for sharing experiences.

“Pakistani businessmen should initiate joint ventures with their Australian counterparts as it will help them understand business techniques of each others,” he added.

Senator Hogg and other members of the delegation also praised the role of Pakistan in the war against militancy and said that people of Australia highly acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI president stressed the need for an enhanced bilateral trade between the two countries.