The Trade and Investment Conference of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) countries was a successful event and would be a positive impact on the overall socio-economic structure of the member countries, said Hussain Ahmed Ozgen, President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Friday.
"It will enhance the economic and commerce co-operation between the member countries and open the new vistas of investment and industrialisation among ECO member countries", Ozgen said, while talking to Business Recorder after he returned from Kabul where he attended the "Trade and Investment Conference of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) countries" and also attended the function of the Kabul Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
RCCI chief said that it is high time for the Muslim countries to get united and increase the trade volume of each other. It is sad to note that the trade volume of Muslim countries is very low and they are practically dependent on West in spite of using their own resources.
Ozgen termed the Kabul visit as a positive move and said that he has talked with the Afghan businessmen on the issues of bilateral interest and assured them that Pakistan will use all out efforts to help Afghanistan in the rebuilding process. "Pakistan is trusted neighbour of Kabul and Afghan businessmen are feeling Pakistan as their second home and they have firm faith on Pakistan as this country would help them in the rebuilding process", he said.
"I met the Afghan Commerce Minister Mustafa Kazmi and informed him about the efforts Pakistan is making for enhancing the bilateral co-operation with Afghanistan", he said and added that he has asked the Afghan businessmen to make joint ventures with Pakistani industrialists and share their experiences to get better benefits.
Pakistan, he said is playing an important role in rebuilding process of Afghanistan and always served the interests of the Afghan people. There is lot to do for rebuilding of Afghanistan and Pakistani business community is well aware of its role in the process, he added.
Responding to a question regarding the business and investment opportunities for Pakistani industrialists and investors in Afghanistan, RCCI president said that rebuilding process in Afghanistan is underway and they need construction material including cement, steel etc.
This industry has lot of potential in Afghanistan and people should make investment in this sector, he said.
It is high time for Pakistani industrialists and business community to yield the positive fruits from the process going on in Afghanistan as Afghans are also looking towards Pakistan, Ozgen said and added Pakistan is second business partner of Afghanistan after America.
Ozgen who was representing Pakistan in the Trade and Investment Conference in Kabul said that the conference ended with a positive note as the member countries have agreed to make efforts for joint ventures in different industrial sectors and get benefits from each other experiences.
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