Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Mian Abrar Ahmad has said that Pakistan, which is a member of the United Nations, an emerging economy and a strong ally in the war against terror, needs specialised international assistance in attracting trade and business.
Speaking at a seminar on registration of Pakistani companies with the United Nations, organised by the KCCI and United Nations procurement division here on Saturday, he urged the UN to register KCCI members and other Pakistani companies so that trade opportunities could be extended.
He said in view of the high cost incurred in the fight against terror, the West and UN should treat Pakistan as a privileged nation in extending trade opportunities, free market access and duty concessions to enhance the country’s trade and gross domestic product.
Ahmad pointed to the fact that the business contracts got by Pakistani companies in the UN was much less than their potential and these could be increased with regular approach to the Pakistani business community and registration of efficient and reputable business concerns with the UN procurement division.
As far as trade potential of Pakistan was concerned, he said the country could export high-quality diversified products. He also called for increasing the number of Pakistani vendors, particularly with regard to UN supplies to Afghanistan and to peacekeeping, political and specialised economic missions in Asia and Africa because Pakistan was a very ideal place to ship goods out of here.
UN Procurement Division Chief for Corporate and IT Procurement Section, in his presentation, said the UN system procured goods and services worth $3.174 billion in 2011, of which $8.6 million of procurements were made from Pakistan. Currently, he said, many Pakistani companies were registered with the UN procurement division, but more companies should be registered to enhance their share in business.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2012.
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