Eritrea, acquired independent status from Ethiopia in 1993, has a great potential for Pakistani exports and is keen to enhance trade ties, Eritrean Ambassador Abdu M Heggi said here on Friday.
Talking to the President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry here, he said that his country was looking for better trade relations with Pakistan. "There is a lot of potential for exports from Pakistan, and, trade and investment in Eritrea," he added.
He also invited Pakistani entrepreneur to Eritrea for identification of opportunities of trade and investment. "At present Eritrea makes international trade through Dubai but we are encouraging direct trade with other countries, Abdu Heggi said.
He expressed his gratitude for Pakistan for their independent status saying that Pakistan has always been supporting the cause of Eritrea and their struggle for independence since 1952.
KCCI President Siraj Kassam Teli said the private sector could play a major role in improving trade ties between the two countries.
Teli asked for exchange of information regarding trade scope. Eriterean laws related to foreign investment and trade should also be made known to Pakistani entrepreneur, particularly the businessmen of Karachi.
At present, he pointed out, the bilateral trade is negligible. Teli maintained that Eritrea should follow Pakistan for establishing a friendly atmosphere for foreign investment.
Investment policy and trade laws need to be made by Eritrea to facilitate foreign investment, and particularly to facilitate Pakistani entrepreneur, he urged.