UK trade mission due in Pakistan soon to deepen partnership

Envoy terms Pakistan a long-term strategic partner, vows support

LAHORE: United Kingdom Mission Deputy Head in Karachi Steve Crossman has announced that a high-powered UK trade mission will visit Pakistan soon as part of a commitment to a long-term, productive and friendly partnership.

“The UK views Pakistan as a long-term strategic partner and will continue to support all its endeavours aimed at expansion of trade relations between the two countries,” Crossman said while talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad and Vice President Nasir Saeed at the LCCI.

He pointed out that British entrepreneurs working in Pakistan were showing continued interest in working and safeguarding their businesses and were looking forward to opportunities to boost their operations by expanding existing projects and exploring new avenues for investment.



He said British businessmen admired Pakistani labour force because of its intelligence and hard work, which was one of the greatest strengths of Pakistan.



LCCI President Arshad underlined the need for a well-planned partnership between Pakistan and the UK to reap the fruits of cordial relations. He said cementing relations with the UK was a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

He termed it a positive sign that both imports and exports between the two sides were continuously rising. In 2013, bilateral trade stood at around $1.97 billion and rose to $2.25 billion in 2014.

“The two-way trade can easily break the barrier of $3 billion if some further avenues are explored with joint efforts of both sides,” Arshad remarked.

He cited the UK’s expertise in agriculture sciences that provided specific insight and technologies in fields like crop genetics, sustainable pest and disease management, seed and plant sciences, composts and synthetic soils.

“We do need your technical help and guidance to make the most of our available agriculture resources and also develop much-required agriculture-industry linkage,” he said.



Saying that Pakistan had great potential in mines and mineral development as important minerals such as iron ore, limestone, chromite, silver, gold, gemstones, marble, copper and graphite were found in the country, Arshad urged British investors to explore the untapped potential of the sector, which would result in a win-win situation for all.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd,  2016.

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