British HC supports 'cricket diplomacy' between Pakistan and India: UK supports market access to Pakistan in EU

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thomson has supported 'cricket diplomacy' between Pakistan and India, saying, "why such move that is aimed at bringing peace should not be supported?" He stated this while responding a Business Recorder question during his chat with journalists at a function organised by Moody International to mark its 100th anniversary here at Royal Palm Country Club on Saturday.
The British High Commissioner on the occasion also showed interest in quarterfinal match played between England and Sri Lanka and enquired from reporters about the score of Sri Lanka batting second to chase 230 target set by England for victory.
To a question about Kashmir issue, he said: "This is a dispute between two governments, which should be addressed by them at their own. No body else has any role in this regard." Answering a question about market access to Pakistan in European Union, Adam Thomson said that the UK was the strongest supporter of Pakistan in the European Union (EU) for opening EU trade markets for it. However, he said it takes some time to get free trade agreements. "We had supported Pakistan's case in the EU and now the matter has been referred to WTO," he added.
When asked about present volume of trade between Pakistan and UK, he said that with over one billion British pounds trade, the current volume of trade was in favour of Pakistan. However, there is a room to further improve it. He said Pakistan has liberal, open and vibrant economy that has full potential to grow. However, the real issue is perception of Pakistan vis-à-vis law and order and security situation. He admitted that Pakistan has suffered a lot due to war on terror and there could be no substitute of trade, as it was the only way to overcome economic issues.
Earlier, Deputy British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Robert Gibson, told media men that bilateral trade between UK and Pakistan was growing with the presence of a large number of British investors here. He maintained that business environment in Pakistan was conducive for investment due to vibrant and liberal policies. He also mentioned that he had visited different areas in Punjab and found tremendous business potential there.
When asked about delay in signing extradition treaty between UK and Pakistan, he said that high-level discussions were held between the two sides. Managing Director Moody Pakistan Rashid Mehr said that Moody International was going to make special announcement regarding its expansion in Pakistan both its business and commercial operations. He said Moody International apart from certification business plays a crucial role in the energy sector and provides technical and management as well as engineering services to the Oil & Gas, power, mining, infrastructure and other key industrial sectors.