Efforts under way to encourage Dutch companies to invest: Pors

The Dutch government and business community are keen to increase cooperation in trade and social sector development, and there are prospects for strengthened cooperation in the livestock, agriculture and energy sectors. Ms Renate Pors, Deputy Head of Netherland embassy in Pakistan, was speaking at a dinner reception hosted by Mian Ata Shafi Tanvir, Senior Vice President of Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in her honour Wednesday night. She said efforts are underway to encourage Dutch companies to invest in Pakistan.
"We would like to do more for Pakistan and encourage people to see for themselves what Pakistan offers," she said. "Netherlands is the fifth largest trading country in the world, but its bilateral trade with Pakistan is around $900 million... This is far below the true potential of both countries and efforts should be made to improve two-way trade, as there exists a huge potential." She added that water, agriculture, logistics and energy are the four main areas of potential cooperation between both countries, and resolved to increase bilateral trade to at least $1 billion in the future. She said that Netherlands has vast potential for collaboration in agriculture and agricultural research, as there is a strong desire in the Hague to further develop this relationship - particularly in the fields of trade, commerce and investment.
She said her country wanted to further enhance imports from Pakistan, which are likely to improve due to GSP Plus status to Pakistan. In response to a question on misconceptions regarding Pakistan in European countries, Ms Renate said Pakistan is a peaceful and responsible country, but there is great room for improvement of the country's image and recommended that long-term policies be worked out for the promotion of education and tolerance in society.
Mian Ata Shafi Tanvir briefed her about the products of southern Punjab and role of Multan chamber in traducing the local products internationally. The dinner was also attended by former President MCCI Khawaja Muhammad Usman, Ex-Vice President Mian Alamgir Jamil Khan, Mian Shafi Anis and yasir Buccha.