Bilateral trade touches $16 million mark in first quarter 2011: Hungary envoy

The bilateral trade between Hungary and Pakistan stood at $38.1 million in 2010, but it already touched $16 million in first quarter of 2011, with a solid surplus in favour of Hungary. Ambassador of Hungary Istvn Darvasi said this during his chat with media persons.
He said although trade is relatively at the lower side but the value of bilateral trade has been increasing at a steady pace in 2011. This gives us a good reason to be optimist. The ambassador pointed out that there are a number of fields which require attention and where a lot could be done for the enhancement of bilateral trade and investment between Pakistan and Hungary.
The ambassador said successful organisation of the 10th ASEM Foreign Ministerial meeting in Budapest/Gdllo on June 6-7 was attended by the foreign ministers and other high level dignitaries of 49 Asian and European countries including Pakistan. About Pak-Hungary relations, he said the most important feature of our co-operation is the presence of MOL, the Hungarian Oil and Gas Company in Pakistan, focusing on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
About Hungary's relations with the Islamic countries, he said his country is by tradition a tolerant and a secular state, and respects all religious beliefs. In this respect Hungary as well the European Union were grateful to the Pakistani government and People for their determination and sacrifices in efforts to put an end to the spread of extremist ideas and activities which are based on the misinterpretation of teachings and history of Islam.