SIALKOT, March 18: The British Deputy High Commissioner, David Pcarcy on Tuesday underlined the need of joint ventures between United Kingdom and Pakistan. The United Kingdom and Pakistan, he said, were enjoying healthy trade relations since long.

Addressing the members of Sialkot of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) he said that the United Kingdom was biggest investor in Pakistan and a number of projects like Allama Iqbal Airport had been completed by the British firms.

Appreciating the efforts of business community of Sialkot for undertaking the mega project of Sialkot International Airport in private sector, he said that British firms, if invited, were ready to join Sialkot Airport project.

The Deputy High Commissioner asked the members of the chamber to explore areas for joint ventures. The proposals, in this regard, would be sent to the British firms.

Mr. Pcarcy said that the functioning of Sialkot Export Processing Zone would be instrumental in accelerating the pace of business activities in the area. The business community of United Kingdom would be ready to invest in the Sialkot Export Processing Zone if the incentives and concessions were provided, he added.

In his address of welcome acting President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry Muhammad Sadiq Goraya said that British firms could set up joint ventures and business collaborations with Sialkot-based companies in the field of sports goods, surgical instruments, leather goods and information technology.

Muhammad Sadiq Goraya said that exchange of trade delegation, increased participation in trade fairs and exhibitions in both countries including single country exhibition and regular exchange of information on foreign trade regime and other publications through the respective trade offices and other relevant organizations would help promote trade between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

The Deputy High Commissioner also visited different industrial units of Sialkot. During the visit of these units, he appreciated the artisanship and skill of the industrial workers.