ISLAMABAD: Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir is scheduled to start a four-day official visit to Netherlands on coming Tuesday. The invitation for this visit was extended by Dutch Minster for Trade Ms Liliame Ploumen during her visit to Pakistan in May this year.
During his stay in Amsterdam, minister will hold meetings with Dutch officials on matters of bilateral interest and will offer vote of thanks for their support, efforts and commendable role in securing GSP Plus and Autonomous Trade Preferences awards for Pakistan.
He will also invite Dutch companies to participate in Pakistan Expo to be held later this year to explore the investment and trading opportunities available in Pakistan. To finalize the arrangements and details of the upcoming visit, Dutch ambassador Marcel De Vink will also call on the minister on Friday at commerce ministry.
It is important to mention that Netherlands export to Pakistan were € 296 million and import were € 260 million Euros during last year. Dutch main exports were machinery, agricultural inputs and chemicals whereas Pakistani exports to Netherlands were textiles, sports and surgical equipment. Both countries were agreed to increase the trade volume from already volume of $ 768 million.
It is pertinent to mention that Netherlands’ Center for Promotion of Imports (CBI) has been imparting technical expertise to many trade officials and businessmen to Pakistan over the years. CBI also conducted many capacity building events in the Netherlands and Pakistan helping small and medium size entrepreneurs to improve their efficiency and output.
