More can be done, says UK trade envoy

Relationship can include liberalising trade, opening up investment avenues

ISLAMABAD:

Concluding the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister’s four-day Trade Envoy to Pakistan on Thursday, UK member of parliament (MP) Mark Eastwood said his visit reaffirmed his view that more can be done to improve trade and relations between the two countries.

Underlining the UK’s commitment to Pakistan and the trade envoy’s ambitions for a deeper and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship, he said, “Pakistan has a bright future. This visit has reaffirmed my view that there is a lot more we can do together, whether its liberalising trade, opening up opportunities for investment, bringing in new technologies, or helping Pakistan on the path to sustainable growth and clean energy – there is so much we can do.”

The trade envoy’s programme included wide-ranging discussions in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad with senior figures from the federal and provincial government, as well as leading British and Pakistani businesses.

At the end of his first visit to Pakistan as trade envoy, the MP said, “I leave with a very strong feeling that our two countries together are primed to grow even closer and I will work hard to deepen our relationship.”

Deputy High Commissioner and Trade Director, Sarah Mooney said, “I was delighted to welcome Mark back to Pakistan. I am confident Mark’s visit will open up new avenues for trade and I look forward to building on the existing trade momentum.”

Eastwood met with the Federal Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Interim Punjab Industries Minister SM Tanveer, Chairman Pakistan Business Council Muhammad Aurangzeb and other business leaders to reiterate the UK as a long-term credible trading partner to Pakistan and showcased full support in Pakistan’s economic recovery through shared prosperity.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2023.

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