Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Perry Calderwoodon has said that Canada and Pakistan are enjoying cordial relations since long and these ties would further be strengthened with the passage of time. Addressing the members of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) he said that through collective efforts trade volume can be boosted up to US$5-10 billion.
The High Commissioner said that "Canada-Pakistan Business Council" is rendering laudable services in promoting two-way trade between the two countries. Canada can offer cooperation and assistance to Pakistan in energy sector enabling it to cope with energy shortage, he said.
The High Commissioner further said that we have focused special attention on strengthening trade and investment ties with Pakistan on priority basis. On this occasion the High Commissioner urged upon the business community of Sialkot to be on the fore front in the promotion of bilateral trade with Canada.
In his address of welcome, Acting President SCCI, Abdul Waheed said that we wish to avail benefits from Canada's capabilities and skills in the fields of capacity building of export and manufacturing sectors and transfer of technology and knowledge base to the SMEs.
He further stated that it is encouraging to see both countries have been accelerating their efforts to increase bilateral trade and investment and countless measures have been taken in this regard for attaining success. Total trade volume between the two countries is around US 1 billion dollar with balance of trade in favour of Canada which we reckon could be conveniently enhanced for which Chambers of Commerce can play an important role by facilitating frequent interactions of private sectors, he pointed out.
He suggested that access to Made in Pakistan products to Canada may be ensured as the leather goods, surgical instruments, musical instruments, and sports apparel are hugely demanded in Canadian markets and Pakistan is known for having excellence in terms of quality in these products.
Both sides should facilitate single country trade exhibitions and encourage frequent exchanges of trade delegations. The procedure for issuance of visas to businessmen should be relaxed, and Business to Business linkages should be encouraged and expanded he added.
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