Romanian envoy urges closer commercial ties

Expresses interest in becoming part of CPEC

ISLAMABAD: Romania Ambassador Nicolae Goia said on Monday that Romania wanted to increase annual bilateral trade with Pakistan to $500 million in the near future.

Speaking to the business community during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Goia said both countries had immense potential in the commercial realm as well along with political and economic areas.

The envoy called the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) an important project for Pakistan that would promote regional connectivity and bring great economic dividends. “Romania is also interested in becoming part of CPEC,” a press statement quoted him as saying.



Highlighting Pakistan’s improved security situation, Goia emphasised that it would greatly aid in promoting business and investment activities. Pakistan had the potential to achieve economic development similar to Japan’s in the next 10-15 years “as it has massive natural resources and potential to grow,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed said the current volume of bilateral trade of around $100 million “does not reflect the actual potential of both countries.”



He underlined the need for strong efforts from both sides to improve the situation. Waheed pointed out that Pakistan and Romania could cooperate in several fields including mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cement production, alternative energy, information technology, sports, exploration of oil, gas and minerals, manufacturing of helicopters and defence industry.

He stressed that both countries should encourage frequent exchange of trade delegations and facilitate business-to-business contacts to realise actual potential of mutual cooperation. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2018.

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