UK Visa Director Mrs Alex Pond has said the British High Commission has introduced a special seven-day visa service for the business community of Pakistan.
Addressing the members of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and industry (SCC1) here on Thursday, she said extra-ordinary measures had been taken to expedite the process of visa applications in the British High Commission. Mrs Alex Pond hoped that more than 0.3 million visa applications would be handled during the current year.
The British High Commission and the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) have been enjoying cordial and strong relations for long and with the passage of time these relations would be further strengthened, she said, adding under new visa service, the businessmen would be provided visa within seven days, and the cases of premier applicants would be handled on top priority basis.
The businessmen having the export of Rs 10 million each would also be provided the facility of visa, she said, adding the step has been taken to provide an opportunity to the small exporters to visit United Kingdom for exploring the market.
Pakistan and United Kingdom were enjoying close diplomatic and economic relations which exist in several socio-economic fields she said, adding Sialkot is producing quality and standard products and globally known for its quality products, skill and craftsmanship.
SCCI President Tahir Majid Kapur, in his address of welcome, said the Sialkot Chamber enjoys most cordial relations with the British high commission, adding the issuance of UK visas to the Chamber members on the recommendations of SCCI under special arrangements was the hallmark of the healthy relations.
He said undoubtedly, the signing of the facility of special arrangements has further strengthened the traditional relationship between the British high commission and the Sialkot Chamber.
Under the arrangements, he said all out efforts would be made for ensuring genuineness of the recommendation of applicants by employing strict rather fool-proof verification process, adding the export-oriented industrial sector of Sialkot is earning foreign exchange of 400 million pound sterling annually.
The SCCI chief said that most developing countries are importing surgical instruments from Sialkot for re-export purposes under their own brand names, adding that in leather products and textile sportswear the business community of Sialkot was competing other countries in quality and style.