Realising tremendous economic growth, taking place in Pakistan, the Canadian government is taking necessary steps to persuade its companies to come forward and make investment to take benefit of the investment opportunities available in the country, particularly in the Punjab province. Canadian High Commissioner, Margaret Huber stated this while addressing the opening ceremony of Honorary Canadian Consulate here on Wednesday.
Appointment letter of Canadian Honorary Consul was handed over to Syed Yawar Ali on the occasion. Senior Trade Commissioner, Jean Stephane Couture, Behram D. Avari, Honorary Consular in Karachi and Public Diplomacy Officer Anjum Nida Rehman were also present on the occasion.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Canada has increased from 375 million Canadian dollars to 575 million Canadian dollars in 2003, which was an impressive growth mainly due to improvement of business climate in Pakistan, she added. Despite this growth, commercial links between Pakistan and Canada are modest as compared with existing potential, she maintained.
She further said that Lahore was the first location of investment by a Canadian company in Pakistan, Bata Pakistan Limited that was working prior to creation of the country. She said the Punjab government has recently made an agreement to set up the first ever IMAX theatre in Pakistan in Lahore. She hoped that Lahorites would get benefit from the educational and highly entertaining IMAX experience.
Margaret Huber said the new office would be staffed by trade and consular specialists who would provide first line of consular assistance to Canadian citizens, which will assist potential trade and economic partners of Canada in taking advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan. The Canadian High Commissioner in Islamabad will extend all out co-operation.
She said that the setting up of Canadian Honorary Consulate in Lahore has been approved by Governor General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson, which reflects the importance Canada attaches to its relations with Pakistan.
She also expressed Canada's desire of closer ties between the two countries. She further said that over 100 Canadian consulates are functioning in capital and non-capital cities across the world under the Vienna Convention to strengthen economic ties and commercial relations.
Earlier, talking to newsmen, she said that Canadian High Commission in Islamabad is facing space problem. She added that they are strengthening infrastructure to speed up the visa process for immigrants. However, business and travel visas are processed within 48 hours to facilitate the Pakistani people, she added.
Meanwhile, Syed Yawar Ali, the newly appointed Honorary Consul said that consulate office is being opened in Lahore keeping in view rapid economic growth.
Syed Yawar Ali, did Chemical Engineering and Master in Management Sciences from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. He remained commercial manager for seven years in Packages Limited, General Manager and Managing Director in Milkpak Limited, and was also appointed as chairman of the company.
He is also chairman of Pakistan Dairy Association, Director Wazir Ali Industries, Director, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd, Director Pakistan Re-Insurance Company, Director International General Insurance Company and Director Mitchell's Fruit Farms Limited.
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