WAH CANTT: The Dutch investors are interested in enhancing cooperation with Pakistan in the field of trade and development of social sector.
Ambassador of Netherlands Jeanette Seppen said this while talking to media here at Wah Cantt after inaugurating a new plant at a flour mill established by a Dutch of Pakistan origin.
She further said that efforts were being made to encourage Dutch companies to invest in Pakistan. “We would like to do more for Pakistan and encourage people to see for themselves what Pakistan offers”, she said. Netherlands is the fifth largest trading country in the world, but its bilateral trade with Pakistan is around $900 million,” said Jeannette. “This is far below the true potential of both countries and efforts should be made to improve two-way trade as there exists a huge potential.”
She further said that water, agriculture, logistics and energy are the four main potential areas of cooperation between the two countries and resolved to increase the bilateral trade up to at least $1 billion in the future. She also appreciated the growing cattle trade between Pakistan and Netherlands following the lift of the ban on cattle import last year and added that Netherlands have vast potential for collaboration in areas of agriculture and agricultural research adding that there was a strong desire in the Hague to further develop this relationship, especially in the fields of trade, commerce and investment.
Responding a question, she said that Pakistan needs to focus on effectively dealing with some of the serious challenges being faced by the country today, particularly the law and order situation, economic instability and energy crisis.