Pakistan can play a leading role: Canadian High Commissioner

Says opening up trade with India can help country boost development.

KARACHI: Canadian High Commissioner to Islamabad Greg Giokas said Pakistan could reap the benefits of an agricultural economy by opening up its market to India, adding that the country could play a ‘leadership role’ in trade in the region. 

Greg Giokas was talking to Sindh agriculturalists during two separate roundtables in Karachi and said the sector could play a key role in the country’s development.

“Pakistan will also get benefits from opening its market to India as it will provide greater stability and much-needed prosperity to Pakistan and the region,” said the Canadian diplomat.

Giokas, however, asserted that level playing fields could only be constructed by strengthening internal policies that regulate agricultural trade, especially within neighbouring countries. “In order to empower the economic infrastructure internally, several elements ranging from budgetary reforms to civic infrastructure will have to be taken into account.

“Pakistan has a strong, dynamic and diversified agriculture and food sector and we are confident that with the right policies based on consultations with all stakeholders, the agriculture sector can play an important role in the development of Pakistan’s economy.

“The country has many competitive advantages, a very good infrastructure, a growing workforce and the agriculture sector is a particular strength.”

One roundtable was hosted by Hassan Ali Chandio, Horticulture Board of Pakistan chairman and a former minister of agriculture for the Sindh government. The other roundtable was with the Pakistan Agriculture Coalition group and its sponsors.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2014.

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