The trade volume of merchandise goods between Pakistan and Australia surged to $700 million and various steps were being taken to further boost the existing bilateral trade ties, said Australian High Commissioner Tim George at a press conference on Thursday.
He said that Australia shared Pakistan's wish to further develop the bilateral trade and investment. He recalled Foreign Minister Hina Rabani Khar had hosted a session at the Commonwealth Business Forum, which involved several Pakistani business executives, as panellists and highlighted Pakistan's investment potential.
The Australian High Commissioner said that both the countries have enjoyed friendly ties and their engagement has grown very significantly in recent years, particularly in the fields of development co-operation, defence training links, education and collaboration in tackling transnational crime.
To a question, he replied that his government would review student visa policy for Pakistan in next year to attract more students. However, immigration policy of Australia had remained difficult process. George said that it was encouraging that Pakistan had sent a high level delegation to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), currently underway in Perth.
"Pakistan is an important member of the Commonwealth and its strong delegation headed by the Prime Minister including the foreign minister and commerce minister will make an important contribution to the meeting," he said. Answering to another query, he said that Australian troops were part of the ISAF/Nato forces in Afghanistan. However, Australian troops had more focus on training the Afghan forces. He said Australia recognised the sacrifices made by Pakistan Army and people in the war against terror.
He said Australia's development assistance to Pakistan in 2011-12 is A$92.8 million with a focus on health, education and agriculture. "Australia is providing assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan and in September the Australian Foreign Minister, Kevin Russ MP, announced a A$6 million package of flood relief assistance," he maintained. He also congratulated Pakistan on its selection on non-permanent seat during 2012-13 at the United Nations Security Council.
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