Belgian ambassador visits ICCI

Ambassador of Belgium Philippe Bronchain visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) with Belgian Trade Commissioner Abid Husain to discuss prospects for increasing trade, investment and joint ventures between Belgium and Pakistan.

Mr Husain said Pakistan is mostly exporting textiles products and some raw materials to Belgium and needs to invest in technology to produce value added products that will increase its footprint in foreign markets.

ICCI President Mohammad Ahmed Waheed said Belgium is one of Pakistan’s important trading partners within the European Union, however, the bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Belgium remains below $1 billion. He said that both countries have the potential to promote trade in many areas.

He added that both countries should focus on the diversification of trade to achieve better results. The geographical positions of Pakistan and Belgium offer entrepreneurs of both countries unique opportunities for enhanced market access in their respective regions, which could be exploited by developing strong business linkages between the private sectors of both countries.

Mr Husain added that the Pakistani diaspora in Belgium could play a role in upscaling bilateral trade ties between both countries.

Delegation calls on Jordanian envoy

A delegation from the Handicrafts Association of Pakistan. led by its chairman Fahad Barlas called Ambassador of Jordan retired Maj Gen Ibrahim Yala Almadni.

Ambassador Almadni welcomed the delegation and discussed longstanding relations between Jordan and Pakistan. He also praised the efforts the Handicrafts Association of Pakistan was making to promote Pakistani handicrafts and tourism through various activities. He assured the delegation that the embassy would facilitate business owners in these efforts.

Mr Barlas said that Jordan was a great tourist destination with numerous historical sites, such as the Dead Sea and Petra, that attract people from all over the world. He also said that there was immense potential to export Pakistani crafts which depict the traditions and heritage of the country. He also spoke about the association’s current and future plans.

Former association chairman Khurshid Barlas said that after the impact of Covid-19, there are equal opportunities for all countries to promote trade and business relations and Pakistan would love to enhance bilateral trade with Jordan.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2020