French delegation to visit Pakistan

Ambassador highlights need to enhance bilateral trade.

LAHORE: French Ambassador Martine Dorence has said that a large business delegation from France will visit Pakistan at the beginning of next year in a bid to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries.

She was talking to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Ijaz A Mumtaz on Monday. The ambassador said that delegations would not only cement ties between the two countries but also pave way for new business ventures.

She said that large French companies have recognised Pakistan’s potential and are interested to make investments. Dorence added that French multinationals had maintained a visible presence in sectors like pharmaceuticals, telecommunication equipment, oil marketing, textile and food processing.

The ambassador said not only France, but the whole world is interested in a stabilised Pakistan. She said France would take every possible step to help Pakistan in coping with the challenges it’s facing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mumtaz said that France is one of the few countries that has been playing an active role in building diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

The LCCI chief added that France is ranked in terms of its exports to Pakistan, while it is fourth in imports from the country. He said that the volume of total bilateral trade between the two countries has been below $1 billion despite massive potential.

He said Pakistan’s exports to France average under $400 million and there is also a decreasing trend in imports from France. He said there was a dire need to make joint efforts to bring positive changes.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2014.

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