SIALKOT: British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi Belinda Lewis has said both Britain and Pakistan are determined to promote economic ties. She expressed these views while addressing an important meeting of the Sialkot exporters held at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). SCCI President Majid Raza Bhutta, Dr. Mariyam Nouman (Chairperson SCCI Departmental Committee on Women Entrepreneurs), Senior trade officials of British High Commission and Muhamamd Ejaz Ghauri (SVC Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association-PSGMEA) also attended the meeting.
Belinda Lewis said British investors and businessmen are taking keen interest in investing in Pakistan as UK is also intending to develop strong bilateral trade relations with Pakistan besides bringing the businessmen from both sides closer. She said Pakistan should get full advantage of its GSP plus Status as time is ripe for Pakistan in this regard.
Belinda Lewis remarked that the progress of Pakistan Stock Exchange is also attractive for the British investors. British Deputy High Commissioner added that UK was also making sincere efforts to ensure easy access of Pakistani businessmen to the international trade markets of the UK. She informed the meeting of opening British Business Centre in Lahore which will significantly increase the support available to UK and Pakistani companies.
Belinda Lewis also stressed the need for promoting cordial trade relations with Pakistan. She also showed keen interest in a documentary on “Sialkot: a city of opportunities” shown to them during the meeting by SCCI management. She said UK government is ready to support the exporters of Pakistan to promote their export business whereas the exporters of Sialkot are very important for UK because the export goods of Sialkot are liked by the citizens of UK.
SCCI President Majid Raza Bhutta pinpointed the problems of exporters related to visa and other documentation process. The British Deputy Commissioner assured Pak businessmen of better solutions to their problems.
