The dramatic thaw in Pakistan, Indian relations have created a new environment for enhancing trade and investment in Pakistan, said Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK Dr Maleeha Lodhi.
She was presiding over a meeting of Pakistan Britain Trade and Investment Forum (PBTIF) here on late Friday.
She briefed members of the forum about the latest developments in the region and adoption of the Legal Framework Order by the Parliament after an agreement was reached between the government and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal.
A report on the visit of Mike O'Brien, British Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs and Pakistan Britain Trade and Investment Forum was presented to Dr Maleeha Lodhi on the occasion.
The report highlighted the major achievements made during O'Brien's visit, including Britain's support to Islamabad on the issue of rice and anti-dumping duties, would relax visa for businessmen, including its commitment of organising an investment conference in May this year.
It said efforts would be made to improve the country's image in the UK and that the PBTIF would be institutionalised.
Dr Maleeha appreciated the efforts of Pakistan-Britain Trade and Investment Forum in achieving its objectives and expressed her thanks to Charles Jamieson, Chief Executive of Premier Oil, to hold the office of its chairman for one year.
She expressed her full confidence in Jamieson's abilities to run the forum in a dynamic manner. She also thanked Hamish St. Clair Daniel, MBE Deputy High Commissioner (designate) in Karachi, Pakistan and Department of Trade and Industry for attending the conference as observers.
One of the members Rafiq Chohan, Development Officer of Slough Borrow Council, told the meeting that he had signed a bid with Small & Medium Enterprise Development Authority (Smeda) for Invest Asia Project through which they would arrange bilateral trade missions between Slough and Pakistan in the ICT, software, automotive, advanced engineering, surgical goods, etc.
This would help both the countries in marketing activities to recruit companies on the initiatives.
Stefan Kosciuszko, Chief Executive of Asia House, briefed the meeting about details on the activities to be carried out this year.
This will include arranging a meeting with Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz in February for launch at Pakistan Bonds issue and investment seminar to be held during mid-May at London.
This seminar will be followed by a cultural evening to be organised where Pakistani artistes would be invited for the evening.
Dr Maleeha expressed her satisfaction and agreed with the idea of organising an investment conference in UK this spring.
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