The trade volume between France and Pakistan is on the increase. This was stated by the Ambassador of France to Pakistan, Regis de Belenel, while talking to APP here. However, he was of the view that the trade volume between our two countries was not as high as we would like it to be.
When asked about his priorities, Regis Belenel, who has assumed his responsibilities recently as new Ambassador of France to Pakistan, replied that he has two priorities.
First to get better understanding between our two countries and secondly, to give more substance to our relations in different fields.
"In political field, I think we have to do more in terms of dialogue on security and strategic matters due to the role of Pakistan in this part of the world".
The French envoy was of the view that we have to do more economically.
He pointed out that there was room for foreign as well as French investment in Pakistan.
Regis Belenel stated that the two countries should also develop cultural exchanges.
He said that he was satisfied to see the exchange of students in higher education prepared by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
The envoy pointed out that the French Minister for Foreign Affairs recently attended the donors conference convened by President General Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad.
"We expect that the other (French) ministers would be visiting in the coming weeks", he added.
Regis Belenel said that France did a lot for the earthquake victims and that French contributions on this count before the donors' conference was to the tune of 30 million dollars.
A team of 25 French specialists in rescue operations started working in the earthquake-affected areas of Balakot just three days after the quake struck.
As many as 70 emergency doctors including surgeons are also working in the affected areas.
The envoy said that France also dispatched relief material of about 150 tons.
He stated that at the donors conference, the French Minister had announced 94 million dollars' loan at a very soft term.
"I think we are among the first donors and it was a special gesture on the part of French President Chirac after his talk with President Musharraf last Monday".