Abid M Hussain, Belgian Trade Commissioner in Pakistan, has called for diversification of Pakistan's exports to Belgium, which is an excellent transit point to Europe.
Speaking at a meeting with members of Pakistan-Belgium Trade and Industry Committee of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) at Federation House, Abid, who has Pakistani origin, said that Belgium has a unique position being in the heart of
Europe, and Pakistan's exporters need to give more attention to promote their exports to Belgium.
He suggested to the office-bearers and members of Pakistan- Belgium Trade and Industry to sign co-operation agreement with their counterpart in Belgium to organise trade missions and hold exhibitions of Pakistan's goods.
Abid said that there was need to improve the image of Pakistan in foreign countries as the foreign businessmen are reluctant to visit Pakistan and the insurance companies are charging excessive insurance premiums from visitors to Pakistan.
Abid, who is also Belgium's Trade Commissioner to Afghanistan, said that although Afghanistan is flooded with Pakistani goods, India is more active and is making its presence felt there visibly and several Indian business houses have set up their offices in Kabul. Even Turkish companies are more active in Kabul than Pakistani companies, he added.
Haroon Rashid, Vice-President, FPCCI, who presided over the meeting, said that the European Union, which has now expanded with the addition of 10 new countries, is the biggest trading bloc of Pakistan and its second largest trading partner. Today, Europe has become a major force to reckon with as most economic activities revolve around it.
He said that although Pakistan has been facing trade deficit of $3.5 million with the 10 new members of the European Union, the chances of transforming the trade deficit into trade surplus would be brighter as Pakistan would have other benefits while trading with these countries under the umbrella of European Union.
Nasir Mehmood, Chairman, Pakistan-Belgium Trade and Industry Committee said that his Committee has decided to launch a website and a newsletter shortly, which would be helpful in promotion of Pakistan's exports.
He said the Committee is also interested to sign MOU with its Belgian counterparts.
He said that the trade and industry committees, functioning under the aegis of FPCCI, have been established with the approval of the Ministry of Commerce and as such have legal status.
Abdul Rasheed Abro, Director, Pak-Belgium Trade and Industry Committee called for Belgian co-operation in modernisation of Pakistan fishing fleet to exploit the huge fishing wealth of the Indian Ocean.