Due to various non-tariff barriers and obstacles, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Taiwan does not reflect its true potential, said Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Zakaria Usman in a meeting with a four-member delegation of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (Taitra).
While discussing issues plaguing bilateral trade, Usman said that Taiwan should establish its Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) in Karachi. He further said that interaction is necessary to strengthen economic relations.
“This TFC would not only facilitate the business community but it would equally be beneficial for Taiwanese businessmen as well,” he said.
He further added that Pakistani businessmen are facing visa problems. They have to apply for visa in the Taiwanese trade office in Iran, which is a lengthy procedure. This can be simplified through electronic visas via a TFC in Karachi, if established.
The FPCCI chief further said that Pakistan is a great consumer market and also a gateway to the central Asian countries. The Taiwanese can penetrate this area through investments and joint ventures in various sectors, preferably in energy, mining, oil exploration, cotton, manmade staple fibres, copper, beverages, spirits and vinegar, plastic products, raw hides and skins etc.
He stressed on the need to enhance the exchange of trade delegations, holding and participation in exhibitions. The Taiwanese Trade Facilitation Office in Karachi will be a great source for enhancement of Pakistan’s export to Taiwan. He urged the government to make sincere efforts in this path to enable Taitra to open their TFC in Karachi in a short span of time.
Taitra CEO Peter Huang said Pakistan has great potential in trade but, comparatively, exports are very miniscule despite room for improvement. He said their main aim to visit Pakistan was to invite the FPCCI delegation to Taiwan and draw attention towards trade ties between the two countries.
He further said that Taitra is making efforts to establish a trade office in Karachi. The meeting was also attended by senior vice president Shaukat Ahmed, Mazhar Nasir, Ismail Suttar, Khurram Sayeed, Naima Ansari, Begum Salma Ahmed and prominent industrialists and businessmen.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2014.
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