Director International Trade UK visits KCCI

"Pakistan is the most promising land in the region for the fresh British investment as many British corporations are operating successfully and expanding their businesses across Pakistan and beyond. The British companies in Pakistan are enjoying profitable business. However, these contributions do not reflect the true existing potential of investment and trade between Pakistan and United Kingdom.
Pakistan holds vital geo-political and geo-strategic importance as gateway and trade corridor for Central Asian Countries, Afghanistan, Iran, and important route for trade with Saarc countries, Middle East Countries and China. Pakistan also seeks support of the British Government to get GSP Plus status in EU.
He appreciated British civil assistance to Pakistan at times, however, he stated that that this assistance must transform to trade, more British investment in Pakistan and market access to UK and EU. He stated that in year 2011-2012, Pakistan's export to UK were worth $1,298 million while the imports stood around $699 million and hoped that Pakistan's trade with UK will make a quantum leap. He proposed signing of MoU between KCCI and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
This was stated by Muhammad Haroon Agar, President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) during visit of Jonathan Webber, Director, International Trade, UK Trade & Investment, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group of UK at KCCI. He urged for close liaison between KCCI and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry to promote reciprocal trade and investment opportunities. Jonathan Webber stated that Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & UK Trade and Investment recognise KCCI as the most vibrant Chamber of Pakistan committed to promote international trade.
He recalled that he brought British Trade Mission to Pakistan few years back and had the opportunity of working with KCCI. He underscored the importance of KCCI in the national economy. He apprised that Birmingham Chamber was one of the largest Chambers of UK and maintains constant contacts with its members providing an array of services. He recalled that Birmingham Chamber and KCCI worked closely on a capacity building project namely TriPak which was one of the most successful projects BCCI had done with KCCI in the past.
The said project was beneficial for SMEs, and was part of EU programme for poverty alleviation and capacity building of human resource. Similar projects can be jointly done in future, he added. He stated that BCCI, in respect of capacity building project had working in various countries like Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Nepal, Bangladesh, Georgia etc.
He hoped that trade and economic co-operation between Pakistan and UK will enhance with the passage of time. He appreciated the role of KCCI in promotion of trade and industry and to uplift economy and asserted upon the need of close co-operation between KCCI and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Former President KCCI Khalid Feroz, Senior Vice President Shamim Firpo, Vice President Nasir Mehmood, and Managing Committee Members of KCCI also participated in the meeting.-PR