ISLAMABAD, Sept 12: The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan, Willen Andreae, has urged Pakistani manufacturers to improve competitiveness of their products for increasing exports to European countries.

The envoy was talking to representatives of Pakistan Foundry Association (PFA) here on Wednesday.

Mr Andreae referred to the Free Dutch scheme under which retired and experienced persons are sent to other countries. Many Pakistani business organisations have utilised these services, but there was an ample room for expansion.

The envoy assured full support of the European countries for development of engineering sector, especially foundry in Pakistan.

Pakistan PFA chairman said that European companies were shifting their production units to other countries due to high cost of production and environmental problems. He said Pakistan was interested to get her share in this shifting.

Meanwhile, the delegation also met the Chief Executive of Engineering Development Board.