'Trade relations between Pakistan and Nepal not well-established'

Economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Nepal are not as warm, cordial and well-established as both the countries are closely tied diplomatically. Pakistan should transfer technology and enhance trade with Nepal entering into an agreement of duty-free exports, said Bala. B. Kunwar Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan while addressing the launching ceremony of "Made in Pakistan" Products exhibition 2010, to be held from May 12 to 16 at Katmandu, Nepal organised by Pak World Trade and Expo Centre, here on Wednesday.
He said that by developing economic and trade ties between the two countries, overall relations would reach to the highest ebb. Kunwar said that the exhibition would not only provide an opportunity to the exporters of Pakistan to showcase their products but it would also provide an opportunity to people of Nepal to strengthen their economic ties with Pakistan. He hoped that the exhibition would be successful in promoting the products as both the countries match in demand and culture.
Speaking on the occasion, chief executive officer of the Pak World Trade and Expo Centre M. Khurshid Barlas said that the extra ordinary smooth, peaceful and cordial relations between Pakistan and Nepal were well-established and 2010 mark as the golden jubilee of bilateral relations.
Both the countries have multi-faceted co-operation, closer diplomatic relations and strategic partnership but the economic co-operation, commercial and trade relations have to go a long way. He further said that for the ever-growing consumer market of South Asian countries, this trade fair would provide strategic platform to utilise best means in establishing healthy customers' relations.
Barlas further said that this mega event serves as a platform for the buyer to get closer to the consumers and sellers to enhance opportunities for the participants. President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Kashif Shabir said that this exhibition would play a pivotal role in increasing people to people contact between the two countries.
He said that presently both the countries have a total trade of only $4.58 million while export from Pakistan is only $1.563 million, which is too little. He further said that all the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) countries should enhance their bilateral trade instead of giving preference to the US and European countries.
These countries have a lot of potential and a vast market to accelerate economic growth by spending little in the form of freight charges. "Pakistan has a lot of potential and should develop its own brand instead working for other countries. Pakistan is one of the largest exporters of football but still it has no brand of its own," Shabir said.