Trade with Spain expands 100%, room for more

Envoy says additional exports worth $200m can be generated from Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: Pakistani Commercial Consular in Madrid, Spain, Faiz Ahmed has shared his optimism regarding the country’s exports and has said that trade with Spain has been recorded at a 100% increase during the last one and half year, despite overall decrease in Pakistani exports.

He was addressing industrialists of Faisalabad along with a Spanish delegation.

Ahmed said that Faisalabad is one of the largest industrial hubs of the country after Karachi. It is home to various sectors and hence, has huge potential to increase exports.

He added  that Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) has played a proactive role in establishing direct contact with business communities of other countries to give a quantum jump to its exports.

Regarding increase in exports to Spain, he said that out of this, a boost of $200 million was possible due to enhanced exports from Faisalabad alone.

“About two years ago, a FCCI delegation, headed by industrialist Engineer Sohail Bin Rashid, paid an introductory visit to Spain which was reciprocated by a visit from Spanish businessmen.” These visits helped both countries to have direct contacts, in addition to exploring the opportunities available to increase exports, said Rashid.

The Spanish delegation, headed by ACCIO Managing Director Suprio Bose, had visited earlier as well, according to Ahmed. “More visits by delegates are in the pipeline which will help in enhancing bilateral trade.”

Bose said that Spain can help Pakistan develop its food processing industry on modern lines. “In this connection, Spain can provide technical assistance.”

Similarly, Spain can also help Pakistan in renewable energy projects, he added. “We want to build two way roads, he it will benefit both countries to further strengthen their bilateral relations.”

Regarding an MoU between FCCI and other leading chambers of Spain Bose said that it was a good proposal and he will discuss it with his head office.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2015.

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