The British Deputy High Commissioner, Hamish Daniel, has advised the business community to make efforts to improve Pakistan's image abroad to attract foreign investment and trade.
Addressing members of Small and Medium Enterprise Association (Smea) at Defence Housing Authority Club on Tuesday, he suggested that the best way of improve Pakistan's image is to contact British Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other trade bodies and brief them about Pakistan's investment environment and trade opportunities.
He informed the business community that 4 to 5 British trade delegations would visit Pakistan in the next six months to boost two-way trade and establish industrial units in joint venture with Pakistani counterpart.
He said a delegation comprising majority of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would be in Karachi in the first week of September and another delegation in October this year.
He said that law and order situation in Karachi is a matter of concern but it did not stop business activities. The British are willing to increase two-way trade and invest in this country, he added.
Daniel noted that recently locally assembled Land Rover Defender (civilian version) with the collaboration of British firm has been introduced in the country.
He noted that Britishers are interested in collaboration with Pakistan in the sector of information technology, import of mangoes, textile products, etc.
Britain no more manufactures textile products and majority of its textile machinery has been shifted to Pakistan, he added.
About travel advice, he said travel advises are issued to inform travellers about law and order situation and to decide their travel programme after considering the condition carefully. Travel advice does not mean to prevent travelling.
Regarding issuance of visa, he advised visa seekers to apply for visa through 'drop boxes' at FedEx. They should only come to British Consulate when they are asked to do so.
He also advised business community to apply for visa with the recommendation of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) for early visa application processing.
He said that the consulate is reforming visa section, increasing staff to handle visa applications.
Welcoming the guests, Zafar Iqbal, President of Smea, asked the diplomat to make efforts to improve Pakistan's image abroad.