SIALKOT: – Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan Marc P. George has stressed the need of promotion of strong trade relations between Pakistan and Switzerland. He said that the Switzerland was keen to establish strong Business-to-Business contacts between Pakistan and Switzerland as well.
He stated this while addressing an important meeting of Sialkot exporters held at Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here. Acting SCCI President Adnan Arshad Sethi presided over the meeting.
Swiss Ambassador assured the Sialkot exporters about their easy access of the international trade markets of the Switzerland. He also assured his full cooperation in exploring the mutual business opportunities between Pakistan and Switzerland. He added that the Switzerland intending to develop the strong mutual trade relations with Pakistan.
He said that Switzerland would also look in to ensure the direct imports of Sialkot-Pakistan made products direct from Sialkot instead of purchasing the Sialkot made products on high prices from the other countries.
Swiss Ambassador also announced to establish strong relations between Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Swiss Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well.
Acting SCCI President Adnan Arshad Sethi said that Switzerland and Pakistan have enjoyed most cordial relations.
He highly hailed the role of Switzerland in rural development, enhancing local governance and the protection of human rights in Pakistan.
SCCI Acting President added that it was encouraging to note that both countries have stepped up efforts to increase bilateral trade and investment and countless measures have been taken to ensure that this step is successful.
“We understand that both countries have agreed to setup a mechanism to ensure implementation of existing agreements, aimed at substantial increase of two-way trade”, he narrated.
Envoy said that the era of developing the strong trade relations with Pakistan has begun and Switzerland was ready to walk step by step with Pakistan to achieve the goal of developed mutual trade relations with Pakistan.
Addressing the meeting, Acting SCCI President Adnan Arshad Sethi said that the time was ripe to develop the strong trade relations between Pakistan and Switzerland, besides, learning from each other’s strength and expertise. He said that Sialkot has lot to offer to Switzerland, saying we should look forward to win-win situation by supplying our quality products and sourcing from Switzerland.
He told the meeting that the present trade volume between Pakistan and Switzerland. SCCI Acting President revealed that the total trade volume between Pakistan and Switzerland in 2015-16 was over US$ 280 Million with balance of trade favouring Switzerland. However, there is a lot of potential to increase this volume of trade with better interactions of private sectors.
He said that both Pakistan and Switzerland should facilitate single country trade exhibitions and encourage frequent exchanges of mutual trade delegations.
