Envoy vows to promote direct trade with Oman

Currently, most of Pakistani products land in Oman via Dubai

KARACHI: Pakistan's Ambassador-designate to Oman KK Ahsan Wagan has emphasised that he will promote direct trade and commercial relations between Pakistan and Oman as most of the Pakistani products are usually landing in Oman's market via Dubai.

Exchanging views with Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Senior Vice President Arshad Islam during his visit to the chamber, the envoy said, "Trade and commercial relations remain very close to my heart, therefore, I will try my best to fully facilitate business-to-business interaction between Pakistan and Oman business communities."

He was of the opinion that forging strong trade and commercial linkages was very important and a key issue for all the Pakistani diplomats working in different countries around the world.

"Economic diplomacy is very crucial because its effects are on the society, community and people of the country. If exports rise, these will in turn bring foreign exchange, generate massive employment opportunities and reduce poverty in the country," he added.

Assuring full support and cooperation to the KCCI members who were keen to enhance trade with the business community of Oman, Wagan said they would be fully assisted in all their initiatives for improving relations with their counterparts in Oman.

Wagan, who is currently deputed in Niger and will soon be assuming the charge in Muscat, saw a huge potential for Pakistani products in the African region where all the major players including the United States, China, India, Turkey, France and many others had established their diplomatic missions on a wide scale.

"Unfortunately, we never look towards the African market as only 15 Pakistani missions are working in this important region against 53 missions of China, 48 of India, 46 of Turkey, 44 of the United States and 42 of France," he said.

"Everybody is there in Africa but we are missing the opportunity," he said and urged the Pakistani business community to go beyond traditional markets, explore new markets, new areas and new products.

Speaking on the occasion, KCCI SVP Arshad Islam remarked that the mainstay of Pakistan's economy was the revenue generated through exports but unfortunately the country had not been able to achieve the export target due to various reasons.

"There is a dire need that all the ambassadors, consul generals and commercial attachés of Pakistan pursue an aggressive approach and effectively promote Pakistani products and services with a view to ensuring sustainable economic prosperity," he said.

Islam pointed out that Pakistan was blessed with abundant resources and because of excellent whether conditions, the country produced some of the finest agricultural products while industries were also manufacturing high-quality goods, having good potential for exports.

"The only thing missing is effective marketing, therefore, our diplomats will have to focus on promoting Pakistani products, which, if dedicatedly done, will surely yield positive results."

Published in The Express Tribune, December 7^th, 2019.

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