Envoy stresses deepening Pak-Hungary trade ties

Asks Islamabad to adopt modern technologies in agriculture

LAHORE:

Pakistan is one of the important trade partners of Hungary and both countries have the ability to further strengthen mutual trade and economic ties, said Commercial Counsellor of Hungarian Embassy in Pakistan Istavan Grafi.

Talking to a delegation of the All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) on Thursday, Grafi said stringent efforts were required to transform the cordial relations into two-way trade for enhancing economic prosperity in both countries. The envoy highlighted the similarities between the two countries, citing that just like Pakistan, agriculture was the foundation of Hungarian economy as well.

“However, we have adopted a scientific approach and different modern technologies in making agricultural practices efficient to reach a much higher per acre yield,” he said. “Pakistan can greatly benefit from Hungary’s experience in this regard.” He appreciated the APBF’s efforts for enhancing bilateral trade, technology transfer, joint ventures and people-to-people contact between the two countries.

He emphasised that his embassy was focused on a wide range of programmes including trade, education, public diplomacy, culture, gender equity and development to collaborate with Pakistan and seek good partners.

Both sides agreed to continue mutual cooperation aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment through a proactive approach and improved engagement. The Hungarian side offered technical assistance in the areas of agriculture, livestock, fisheries and food processing.

Speaking on the occasion, APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood said that the business forum was working with the Hungarian embassy and was committed to making the relationship stronger.

He recalled that the business forum had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hungarian embassy to promote trade links through exchange of business delegations in order to nurture closer understanding between Pakistan and Hungary.

Mahmood stressed that the forum would extend full cooperation and support to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries. “We will arrange business-to-business meetings, promote visits of business delegations for sector-specific match-making and interaction for development initiatives,” he said.

“These activities will also help enhance educational ties and support for social development, especially for the uplift of women entrepreneurs.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2021.

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