Belgian envoy emphasises easing visa curbs

Underlines importance of trade and economic ties between the two countries

LAHORE: Belgian Ambassador Frederic Verheyden has said that the visa policy for businessmen of Pakistan and Belgium should be liberalised so that business trips can be made with ease.

He was talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Abdul Basit and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan at the Catalogues Exhibition of Belgian companies at the LCCI.

Underlining the importance of trade and economic ties, the ambassador said both countries should identify more areas for cooperation and should also introduce more tradable items to enhance the trade volume.

He said Belgian companies had expressed keen interest in Pakistani market and urged Pakistani businessmen to start joint ventures with their Belgian counterparts.



“Pakistan should take full advantage of the ideal geographical position of Belgium in the European Union,” he said.

Belgian Embassy Trade Commissioner Abid M Hussain said Belgian productivity was amongst the highest in the world and it also accounted for almost 4% of the world’s exports.

He said last year’s visit of a 12-member Belgian trade delegation to Karachi and Lahore was ample proof that the interest of Belgian businessmen in Pakistan was growing.

He pointed out that Belgium was the fifth largest trading partner of Pakistan in the European Union and that was itself a significant achievement for both countries.

LCCI President Abdul Basit said the Catalogues Exhibition focused on familiarising the domestic business community with the technological potential and technical expertise available in various sectors of Belgian companies.

“Belgium is well-known around the globe for sectors such as engineering, automobile, chemicals, crystal & glass products, electrical and electronics,” said Basit.

He added traditionally, the bilateral trade had been in favour of Pakistan. In 2014, the level of bilateral trade went up as high as $882 million, but in 2015, it went down to $817 million owing to a 7% decrease in exports to Belgium.

To be more specific, the exports of Pakistan to Belgium contracted from $658 million to $592 million in that period. However, imports inched up from $224 million to $225 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2016.

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