Pakistan can become a developed nation: Korea
Envoy believes economy is showing clear signs of recovery.
ISLAMABAD:
South Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Choi Choong Jee said on Friday that Pakistan has great resources and tremendous potential and that nothing can stop the country from becoming a developed nation if it adopts few corrective measures.
Speaking at a reception hosted at his residence in honour on national trade leaders, he said, “I see the business community of Pakistan as the driving force for economic vitality,” further adding that Pakistan’s economy is showing clear signs of recovery. Jee called for enhanced trade between the two countries.
The ambassador said the Pakistani business community is strong enough to withstand all challenges and has a very favourable view for South Koreans, but it is not translating into actual trade potential between the two countries.
He said “Our trade with India stands at $16 billion which is expected to double in few years; it is $1billion a day with China, while bilateral trade with Pakistan is mere $1.1 billion.”
“My country wants to enhance cooperation with Pakistan’s government and private sector so that economy of this great nation can come out of problems like energy deficiency and it emerges as one of our major trading partner,” he added.
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Senator Haji Ghulam Ali said that local businessmen should identify hitches barring trade. He said that the non-availability of proper information is one of the hurdles that need to be addressed urgently.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2011.
South Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Choi Choong Jee said on Friday that Pakistan has great resources and tremendous potential and that nothing can stop the country from becoming a developed nation if it adopts few corrective measures.
Speaking at a reception hosted at his residence in honour on national trade leaders, he said, “I see the business community of Pakistan as the driving force for economic vitality,” further adding that Pakistan’s economy is showing clear signs of recovery. Jee called for enhanced trade between the two countries.
The ambassador said the Pakistani business community is strong enough to withstand all challenges and has a very favourable view for South Koreans, but it is not translating into actual trade potential between the two countries.
He said “Our trade with India stands at $16 billion which is expected to double in few years; it is $1billion a day with China, while bilateral trade with Pakistan is mere $1.1 billion.”
“My country wants to enhance cooperation with Pakistan’s government and private sector so that economy of this great nation can come out of problems like energy deficiency and it emerges as one of our major trading partner,” he added.
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Senator Haji Ghulam Ali said that local businessmen should identify hitches barring trade. He said that the non-availability of proper information is one of the hurdles that need to be addressed urgently.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2011.