Norway plans business conference on Pakistan

Ambassador says trade can be increased through visits of businessmen.

ISLAMABAD:

Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan Robert Kvile has said his country is holding an international conference on business opportunities in Pakistan, which will help boost trade and attract new investments.

Speaking to representatives of FPCCI standing committees on trade delegations and media on Tuesday, Kvile said the conference will help foreign investors identify business possibilities in Pakistan. He believes the world needs to know about the opportunities that Pakistan has to offer.

Kvile said that a Norwegian delegation recently visited Pakistan and decided to increase investments and imports. Bama-Gruppen AS, Norway’s largest distributor of fruits and vegetables, is planning to step up imports from Pakistan, especially of mangoes.

Kvile added that Pakistan’s furniture industry is impressive and Norwegian designers can help the industry boost its exports. He stressed that bilateral trade can be increased through planned visits of businessmen.

FPCCI Standing Committee on Media Chairman Malik Sohail said there should be more single country exhibitions and Norwegian-funded skill development facilities in all major cities. “We need opportunities to help Pakistan achieve economic self-reliance,” he said.

While stressing the need to explore possibilities of joint ventures, Sohail added Pakistan welcomes foreign investment in various sectors and had designed its policy accordingly with multiple incentives.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2011.