ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Arab Republic of Egypt to Pakistan Magdy Amer on Wednesday said the economic outlook of his country is strong despite recent disturbances. He said that Pakistan businessmen can enjoy access to American, EU and African markets through Egypt which will help us achieve common goal of shared prosperity.

Talking to a delegation of FPCCI led by VP, SAARC CCI Iftikhar Ali Malik, and Magdy Amer said that Egyptian agricultural products have also free access to EU which is an opportunity for Pakistan's agricultural sector. The Ambassador said that both the countries are tied in different bonds like goodwill and affinity but we have yet to achieve success in creating long-term political and institutional links for mutual benefits.

He informed that many Pakistani groups have been enjoying free trade after setting up their industries in Egypt. Magdy Amer said that Pakistani businessmen need to look beyond west, gulf and central Asia, adding that any nominee by FPCCI will get visa in 48 hours, the envoy added. Speaking at the occasion Iftikhar Ali Malik said that we should boost exchange of trade, political and cultural delegations and cooperate in engineering, telecom, tourism and SME sector.

He also opined that that lack of proper information and direct links are hurdles in boosting two-way trade. Furthermore, he stressed permanent links between chambers of two countries. Besides this, Malik delivered a goodwill message sent by Tariq Sayeed, VP CACCI and former president FPCCI and Saarc CCI and Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, President FPCCI and VP Islamic CCI and congregated him on the Egyptian National Day to be celebrated on July 22nd.

VP FPCCI Amer Atta Bajwa and Chairman FPCCI Capital Office Hameed Akhtar Chadda said that Islamic countries should have close economic cooperation. Egyptian entrepreneurs can use Pakistan’s strategic location to enter Central Asian markets, said Chadda. They stressed an innovative alliance with Egypt based on the principles of joint ownership, dialogue and cooperation.

Chairman Media FPCCI Malik Sohail Hussian stressed reciprocal tariff liberalisation for industrial and agricultural goods that will eventually result in complete dismantling of customs duties and quotas. Both brotherly countries which are also members of OIC should enhance social and cultural co- operation, said Malik Sohail. He said that we have time-honoured relations since 1951 and an Egyptian company has invested billions in telecom sector which is a great service for Pakistan.

Lastly, Samina Fazil, president IWCCI said that we are looking forward to establish links with Federation of Egyptian Business Women and Federation of Arab Business Women, both headquartered in Cairo, to drive economic growth.