‘Steps under way to boost Pak-UK trade’

UK PM’s trade envoy says British businessmen keen to establish further trade ties with Pakistan

LAHORE: Plans are afoot to boost trade between the United Kingdom and Pakistan, said UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Pakistan Rehman Chishti at a time when both countries face challenges on several fronts in the wake of Brexit and political uncertainty.

Talking to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) officials, he said that all aspects of trade with Pakistan are being focused on, adding that the two countries enjoy strong bilateral relations and deep cultural linkages.



Chishti was of the view that his visit will further enhance the relations and improve existing cooperation in various fields particularly in areas of common interest.

"Pakistan is a good emerging market and British businessmen are ready to grow further trade and economic ties with the Pakistani counterparts to avail opportunities."

He said that security in Pakistan has considerably improved. It is the fifth largest populated country and a big consumer market that has grabbed the attention of foreign investors. He stressed that engineering, e-commerce, and vocational training were lucrative sectors for cooperation.

"We want to see Pakistan as a developed country and want to establish trade relations at all level," he added.

Also speaking on the occasion, LCCI Acting President Zeshan Khalil said that exchange of delegations and participation in exhibitions are useful to tool, to gather more information. Such interactions with counterparts and other stakeholders allow embarking on new areas of cooperation, he added.



Khalil said both countries are playing their due roles in strengthening diplomatic ties, which also reflects in overall trade.

In terms of exports, UK is one of the top five markets in the world for Pakistan, the LCCI official added. UK is ranked at 3rd and 16th places among the top exporting and importing countries, respectively, for Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2017.

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