The bilateral trade between Britain and Pakistan was now 850 million pounds per annum and the trend was "positive," noted British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi and Director for Trade & Investment Hamish Daniel. He told a news conference here on Monday, along with members of visiting trade mission from Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He said during January-September 2004, British companies exported goods worth 234 million pounds to Pakistan, showing growth of 9.6 percent over same period last year, major of them being specialised industrial and power generation machinery, telecom, broadcasting equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical products.
Pakistani companies exported products worth 423 million pounds, 6.3 percent higher as compared with the same period in 2003, he added. Major of these were textiles, yarn, fabric, garments, towels, bedding, rice, leather and leather products, carpets, fruits.
Daniel said a total of 77 UK companies including major players Unilever, Shell, BP, Glaxo SmithKline, Standard Chartered Bank, National Power, British American Tobacco and ICI were operating in Pakistan.
UK's development assistance to Pakistan during the fiscal year 2004-05 was 69.8 million pounds.
He said Birmingham Chamber of Commerce was fifth trade delegation visiting Pakistan since September 2004. For Expo Pakistan Exhibition 2005 in Karachi, two separate delegations from Glasgow City Council and Pakistan Britain Trade & Investment visited.
Speaking on the occasion, David Frost leader of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said British businesses have continued interest in Pakistan market. Birmingham was the oldest and largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK located in heartland of the country. He said members of his trade mission were having talks with Pakistani counterparts to seek potential for developing a partnership.
They were active in variety of businesses - baby accessories, gift items, education, IT training, security services, exports consultancy, financial products, machine tools and promotion of performing arts, he added.