Bosnia offers help in energy, defence

Diplomat says bilateral trade can be boosted five-fold.

LAHORE: Pakistan and Bosnia can increase bilateral trade five times from the current level of two million euros per annum as Bosnia can help Pakistan in areas of energy and defence production where it has expertise.

Bosnian Ambassador Armin Limo stated this while talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh at the LCCI on Monday.

“Bosnia has expertise in construction of mega dams, power transmission lines and grid stations and Pakistan can utilise this experience to overcome the energy crisis,” Limo said.

He suggested that Pakistan, which was currently exporting its made-ups to Bosnia through other countries resulting in price increase, could send its products directly.

He said Pakistan could boost trade ties with the five independent states, which had earlier been part of former Yugoslavia and now have a population of over 20 million, by enhancing exports of textile, rice, surgical and sports goods.

“Bosnia and its neighbouring countries are safe, stable and an excellent gateway to European Union (EU) states,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh urged the government to sign a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Bosnia without any delay.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2011.