Brazil Embassy hosted a farewell party in honor of Ambassador of Brazil Alfredo Leoni in a local hotel here on Thursday. The ambassador has completed his tenure in Pakistan and is leaving to take his new assignment in Poland during the current week. Ambassador Leoni spent quite an eventful tenure in Pakistan during his stay. He as ambassador in Pakistan spent a busy life in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries and gave new meaning to Pakistan, Brazil relations.
In his farewell address at the reception, he thanked the government officials, business community and staff of his embassy for their support to the ambassador. "I am happy on my new assignment for Poland, but at the same time sad on leaving Pakistan," he said.
During his stay as ambassador, both countries promoted cooperation in the agriculture sector. Sugar is the area where both countries had intense cooperation as Brazil is the largest producer of sugar. Brazilian agriculture experts were invited in Pakistan and Pakistani experts were sent there to see the sugar production in Brazil.
His efforts to boost trade and economy are commendable. He addressed and improved the facilities for business communities of both countries to increase their activities. For this, he took a number of initiatives. During his interactions with businessmen, he said Brazil has a lot to offer so go there and explore business opportunities.
He also ran from post to pillar and introduced a flexible visa system for Pakistan business community. Brazil introduced a very generous visa policy for Pakistani businessmen ie five year multiple visa for Pakistani businessmen. After this visa regime, number of visits of Pakistani businessmen to Brazil has increased considerably. Lowering of tariffs also help improve trade relations.
During Ambassador Leoni stay in Pakistan, Brazil wholeheartedly supported Pakistan in reaching an agreement with Latin American trade block Mercosur. Few years back, Brazil took over the rotating presidency of Mercosur and Brazil pushed forward the agenda of an agreement with Pakistan.
Regarding cooperation in the education and cultural fields, Pakistan has become a recipient of program of scholarship from Brazil and it is because of this scholarship program that now there are more than 100 Pakistani students studying in Brazil. The embassy is also addressing the language barrier, started Portuguese which appeared to be a handicap for Pakistani students because it is medium of instruction in Brazil.
In cultural field both countries made significant strides. Brazilian popular Samba music was introduced on the occasion of our national day. Then in 2012 Patubatay Music Band performed in Pakistan. Bernardo Carvalho Brazilian Writer delivered lecture in Islamabad and visited Karachi Literature Festival in 2014.
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