FAISALABAD:
Foreign investors are reluctant to invest in Pakistan due to negative image portrayed by the international media, said Oman Ambassador Muhammad bin Saad bin Mohammad Al-Lawati.
Speaking during a meeting at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday, Al-Lawati said that contrary to the negative image, he found peace and safety in Pakistan. He stressed the need for improving bilateral trade ties between the two countries.
Though Oman and Pakistan had historical relations, unfortunately trade ties were not a fraction of the political relations, he said and pointed to chambers of commerce and other trade bodies which would play their role in developing the trade relations.
In fiscal year 2010, bilateral trade stood at $296.6 million, which was in favour of Oman. Oman exported $155.9 million worth of goods while Pakistan’s exports stood at $140.7 million. Vast prospects exist for expansion of trade including joint ventures and transfer of technology from Oman.
Al-Lawati called for holding single-country exhibitions as well as exchange of trade delegations between the two sides.
However, he pointed out that though Oman had announced a $5 million aid for the development of Balochistan, the amount could not be spent due to unforeseen circumstances.
FCCI Vice-President Rehan Naseem Bharara said there was tremendous trade potential between the two countries as Faisalabad alone had been contributing about 40-45% of total textile exports of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 18th, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
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Well the fact remains that Pakistan is categorised as Failed State by Foriegn policy magazine. Now who in the world would like to invest in the likes of Chad,Pakistan, Sudan , Central African Republic and Somalia.
The only people who should take some responsibility is the overseas Pakistanis
Image is just image. We need to change it and media should come into it. . Spain still has terrorists blasts. The UK has been victim of Irish terrorism (with bombings even on London buses till 1999). Indian investment didn't stop because of Mumbai attack. Russia remains attractive despite many terrorist attacks. Remember Istanbul blasts? Even Columbia is progressing despite being home to tourist kidnapping & drug mafia wars! And Brazil has incidents where bus loads are burnt when Mafia bosses get arrested!! . All the above countries don't use their media negatively. Once you start doing that, negative things start becoming reality! . Its time to change the image. World will ignore individual incidents if we portray 'right' image of culture, films, music, food. Learn something from neighbour: India!!!!
true....and pak media is mainly responsible for this negative image.
Arrest the Oman ambassador under blasphemy law.
Image is a reflection of self... negative image portrays the reality on ground.. and until we change our DNA, our hateful society, our basic fabric of war mongering in neighborhood, I dont think the image will change... lets not put lipstick and makeup on a 60 year old lady to show as a 20 year bride... the truth will be out in hours..