LAHORE: A provincial representative of the Department for International Development (DFID), United Kingdom Ben French called on the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Senior Vice President Almas Hyder here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday.
A number of issues regarding Pakistan regional trade, trade with Afghanistan, Pak-UK trade & economic relations came under discussion. Ruth Graham was also present on the occasion.
Ben French said that DFID is partner of Punjab government in difference socio economic development programs. He said that British government is fully supporting the welfare oriented policies of the provincial government in different sectors. He said that Department for International Development will continue to extend its cooperation.
Ruth Graham said that the British government is committed to a long-term, productive and friendly partnership with Pakistan. She said that the United Kingdom views Pakistan as a long-term strategic partner and would continue to support all its endeavors aimed at expansion of trade relations between the two countries. She said that British businessmen admire Pakistani human resources intelligence and hard work which is one of the greatest strength of Pakistan.
The LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder said that United Kingdom is one of the important trade partners and played a significant role in economic development of Pakistan.
He said that the volume of total two-way trade can easily break the barrier of US$2 billion if some further avenues of trade are explored with the joint efforts by both the sides.
Almas Hyder said that the UK is known to have expertise in agriculture sciences that provides specific insight and technologies into the sub-fields like crop genetics, sustainable pest and disease management, seed and plant sciences, composts & synthetic soils etc.
He said that Pakistan has great potential in Mines and Minerals development, as important minerals found in Pakistan are iron ores, limestone, chromites, silver, gold, gems stones, marble, copper, graphite etc. He urged the British investors to explore the untapped potential of this sector which will surely result in win-win situation for all.
He said that United Kingdom has gone one step ahead from Industrial Textiles through mastering in Technical Textiles which describes the growing variety of products and manufacturing techniques for technical properties and performance. Being dependent on textiles sector which directly and indirectly engages almost two third of Pakistan’s resources, transfer of UK technology to Pakistan would be of great help. Other sectors include Medical Technologies with special focus on Industrial Biotechnology and Science Parks.
Moreover, he said, the UK is successfully implementing very advanced systems in Education and Banking sectors therefore, joint ventures could be a good option to develop these sectors on modern lines in Pakistan.
“In addition to that Oil & Gas Exploration sector of Pakistan can be another area of mutual benefits for both the countries”, the LCCI Senior Vice President concluded. Almas Hyder also spoke highly about the Pakistan trade relations with Afghanistan.
