KARACHI, Oct 22: The Pakistan-Philippines Business Council has been established in Manila to strengthen and enhance bilateral trade and economic relations. According to information received at Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) here on Friday , the inaugural session of the council was attended by Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Noomi Saludo, Pakistani Ambassador Iftikhar Kazmi and newly-elected chairman of the council Bobby Yatco.

On this occasion, Mr Yatco announced to establish Pakistan Trade Centre in Manila and announced to participate at Expo Pakistan to be held in Karachi early next year. The council also decided to hold single-country exhibition of Pakistani products in Manila and exchange of working visits between FPCCI and PCCI delegations before June 2005.

The Pakistan ambassador speaking on the occasion called for a greater interaction between the private sector of Philippines and Pakistan. He said great potential existed in both the countries to extend bilateral relations in economic and trade sectors.

He also referred to the possibilities of joint ventures in the fields of IT, housing and real estate development in Pakistan. After establishment of this council, the FPCCI is asked to constitute a local chapter of the Pakistan-Philippine Business Council in Karachi. -APP