SIALKOT: Nepal was very keen to enhance the trade, tourism and business opportunities with Pakistan, making investment in tourism sector and setting up several joint ventures in different trade fields in Pakistan.
The Ambassador of Nepal in Pakistan Bharat Raj Paudyal stated this while addressing the leading exporters during his visit to Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here. Acting President of SCCI Muhammad Sarfraz Butt presided over the meeting. VP Syed Ehtesham Gillani, former SCCI President Fazal Jillani, former VP Khawar Sapal and members of Executive Committee Mian Mohsin Gull and Rana Nadeem Akhtar were also present on this occasion.
Nepalese Ambassador vowed to make all out sincere efforts to boost mutual trade ties between Pakistan and Nepal, saying that the time was ripe to further strengthen these mutual trade ties and increase the trade volume in favour of Pakistan. He said that both of the countries have been enjoying the cordial trade relations. He pledged full support and technical assistance to ensure the easy access of Pakistan business community to international Nepalese trade markets.
Nepalese Ambassador Bharat Raj Paudyal agreed with SCCI proposal regarding the regular exchange of updated trade information and mutual trade delegations to enhance the trade between the two countries.
On this occasion, Acting SCCI President Muhammad Sarfraz Butt revealed there was no doubt to say that Sialkot made Sports Goods, Surgical Instruments, Leather Products, Gloves of all sorts, Textiles Items, Sports Wear, Martial Arts Uniforms & Accessories, Musical Instruments, Kitchen Ware, Hollow Ware, Knives, Cutlery items and Military Uniform Badges etc. could find a good market in Nepal. The main hurdle is direct link between business communities of both countries. There is lack of communication and proper marketing.
Acting SCCI President added that Sialkot exporters have a great potential to explore and capture the international trade markets of Nepal by exporting their world class traditional and non-traditional export products. For improving bilateral trade, Sialkot exporters suggested that exchange of trade delegations and one-to-one meetings of businessmen of both sides may be arranged. This would require both sides to ensure a simple visa process to enable the businessmen to meet each other as and when needed. Sialkot is a unique city enriched with its historical background and strong industrial base. It is one of the most important economic centres, recognized as the only export oriented city of the country. With the gradual growth of exports, the industrialists decided to setup a platform for facilitation in business activities and other relating matters, they added.
Muhammad Sarfraz Butt narrated that the Sialkot-made footballs, field hockey sticks, cricket gear, and boxing gloves are used in international games including the Olympics and World Cups. It is the distinction of Sialkot that the hands stitched soccer balls made here have been used in World Soccer Cups, European Championships, and other International Events. The best cricket and hockey players of the world prefer to use “Made in Sialkot” cricket bats and hockey sticks which have made Sialkot a “Household Name” all over the world, they added.
He told the Nepalese Ambassador that most of the developed countries are importing surgical instruments from Sialkot. In leather products and textile sportswear, we compete with other countries, in quality and style. Similar is the case with other items produced in Sialkot.
Ambassador of Nepal in Pakistan Mr. Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal said that there were bright opportunities of setting up joint ventures with Sialkot-Pakistan business community in different trade fields, as the several Nepalese companies were showing keen interest, in this regard.
Earlier, the Nepalese Envoy also visited the several leading industrial units in Sialkot, amid tight security. He was flanked by the SCCI officials. He witnessed the internationals standard craftsmanship of Sialkot based artisans.
