Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Maleeha Lodhi has said that government was lobbying with key European Union (EU) countries to garner their support in removal of anti-dumping restrictions placed on country's bed linen exports to Europe. The envoy was speaking at a dinner jointly hosted by Newham Chamber of Commerce and UK-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in honour of the 20-member delegation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry at West Ham United Football Club here on Monday.
The delegation is here on a private visit to explore possibilities of joint ventures with British businessmen with the co-operation of the two chambers. Led by Senior Vice President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Engr Sohail Lashari, the delegation including representatives of textiles, leather, tyres, plastic bottles, financial services and handicrafts sectors arrived here Monday to begin its nine-day visit to Britain.
Besides others it included Sheikh Mohammad Arshad Vice President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mian Tajammal Hussain Honorary Consul General of Turkey in Lahore and Lieutenant General Khalid Latif Mughal (Retd).
Maleeha hoped the country would be able to deal with the said issue affecting its trade with EU countries. Textile sector was the bedrock of Pakistan's exports, she added.
"Britain is a critical country for Pakistan in many aspects. It is its 4th largest trading partner and is a leading investor in foreign direct investment in last two to three years.
Pakistani Diaspora in the UK is robust, dynamic and forward looking and has left its mark in various walks of life across Britain. British Pakistanis can play an important role in the development of the country of their origin by making investment and utilise the investor-friendly ambience to reap dividends".
Two-way trade between the two countries now was close to $1.8 billion while Islamabad's exports to London were over $1 billion. However there were great prospects and opportunities for further expanding trade relations between the two sides by exploring existing avenues, she said.
She emphasised the need to promote true image of the country and said investors needed to be communicated that Pakistan had come out of the economic crisis and had achieved 8.3percent GDP.
Referring to her recent visit to Scotland, Maleeha said her top priority was to promote trade and investment between Pakistan and UK and assured the delegation that High Commission would always be ready to play role of a facilitator.
In his brief remarks, leader of the delegation, Engr Sohail Lashari said with its current economic indicators and 8.3percent growth, Government was working as a facilitator and had put in place a very liberal economic regime that allowed cent percent equity.
On behalf of the Chamber, which had inked agreements with 46 different countries, Lashari offered all help to Britain-based investors particularly those who were planning to invest in small and medium industry.
He said he was there to promote joint ventures with the UK businessmen. Lasharei also urged them to buy Pakistani companies, which were being privatised under privatisation policy. "It is time not only to transfer technology to Pakistan but the capital as well," he observed.
Chairman of Newham Chamber of Commerce Samee Mian on the occasion said their Chamber was keen to develop trade links with Lahore Chamber of Commerce.
Tariq Choudhary President of UK-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his remarks said small and medium enterprises were the lifeblood. He eulogised the economic polices of Pakistan for providing congenial environment and needed incentives to investors.
Dr Matin Khan Secretary General UK-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the occasion said the chamber would like to have a sustainable relationship with Lahore Chambers of Commerce and Industry to promote commercial relations between Pakistan and Britain.