The President of Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has expressed grave concern over stoppage of issuance of visas by Royal Thai Consulate in Lahore. The MCCI Chief said in a statement on Saturday that the Royal Thai
Consulate had close links and understanding with the MCCI, it was, therefore, very useful and convenient for the business community of southern Punjab to get Thai visa on our recommendations from Thai Consulate, Lahore.
The facility of issuance of visa at Lahore had since been stopped, which created problems and difficulties for the business community of this area to travel to Islamabad to get Thai visas, he said.
He urged the Thai Embassy in Islamabad to facilitate the business community of this area the Royal Thai Consulate, Lahore, be allowed to issue the visas from Lahore.
"It is all the more necessary to establish communication links to promote trade, commerce and industry, particularly after the visit of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to Thailand," he said.
The MCCI President further said that the stoppage of issuance of visas by the Royal Thai Consulate in Lahore was a disappointing development, which needed immediate attention of the Thai Ambassador.
The Chamber chief requested the Thai Ambassador that once the visa had been issued by the Royal Thai Embassy in Islamabad, the Royal Thai Consulate, Lahore might be authorised to re-issue the visas for their next visit.
This step would facilitate the businessmen of this area in obtaining the visa for Thailand. The Chamber chief further said that the MCCI would continue to support all measures that would bring about vigorous and forceful changes and economic development between Thailand and Pakistan.