FPCCI pushes for better ties with Russia

Both countries need to explore potential, says Russian official

ISLAMABAD: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FPCCI) Senior Vice President Khalid Tawab stressed the need to build banking channels with Russia and exchange of single country exhibitions.

A statement issued on Thursday said that Tawab also asserted upon the dire need of Russian assistance to develop railways, reconstruct power sector and explore gas.



Speaking with the Russian delegation, headed by Consul General of Russian Federation Oleg N Avedeev, during a visit to FPCCI, Khalid Tawab pushed for cooperation, akin to that of Pakistan Steel Mills, in the areas of heavy machinery, engineering, automobiles, revamping railways, energy from coal, and other areas of national interest.

He apprised about the role of FPCCI in the socio-economic development of Pakistan. Exchanging views, he said Pakistan could seek Russia’s help to boost its energy and power sector.

Oleg N Avdeev, while sharing his views said the people of both countries don’t know much about each other, so interaction must be enhanced by encouraging visits between the two countries. It could play a vital role in augmenting bilateral trade.

Avdeev also assured that the visit would be the first step towards more of such ventures. The meeting was attended by FPCCI Vice Presidents Arshad Farooq and Faisal Jamal Dashti along with Zubair Tufail.



In another meeting, Pakistani Ambassador to Russian Federation Qazi M Khalilullah has briefed FPCCI that Russia is a huge market for Pakistani products as it is among the top 10 economies of the world with annual imports of around $175 billion, but Pakistan’s share in trade with Russia was just 0.06%.

He identified the sectors for the food exporters to participate in and explore the export potential for fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, poultry and other products in Russia.

Khalid Tawab insisted that trade with Russia of around $350 to $400 million did not reflect the real potential of both countries and more efforts were needed to correct that.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2016.

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