Polish Consul-General Ireneusz Makles said here on Wednesday that he sees Pakistan has the potential to become economic leader in Asia because of its consistent trade and economic policies.
Talking to Business Recorder, he said that Pakistan's growing economy, its strategic location as a regional hub, principal gateway to the Central Asian Republics, a large consumer market, abundant natural resources, talented and entrepreneurial people and skilled and hardworking labour, well established infrastructure, liberal investment and friendly policies, all combined together, offer enormous opportunities to foreign investors.
He said that Pakistan and Poland are privileged by the nature of their location. Pakistan is located at the confluence of three vital regions - South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia--providing the shortest access to sea for the landlocked Central Asian countries and western China. "So, Pakistan is becoming a leading, regional hub with a specific role as trade and energy corridor for China and Central Asian countries."
He said that through the Gwadar Port, Pakistan's businessmen could export Polish products to Afghanistan, Central Asian states such as Tajikistan, Kirgistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and to eastern region of Iran.
Makles said, "Moreover, most of the goods from these countries could be cheaper if exported by sea to Poland and other East and Central European and Baltic countries."
He said that Poland and Pakistan have established co-operation in trade and commerce, energy and agriculture sector, chemicals, machinery, textile etc. "Both countries have concluded agreements on trade cooperation, avoidance of double taxation, maritime and cultural cooperation."
He said that in 2006 the turnover in trade between Poland and Pakistan was 110 million dollars. Poland exported goods for 32.2 million dollars and Pakistan for 75.5 million dollars. "The balance of trade was in favour of Pakistan for 45.4 million dollars. In the first seven months of 2007 (January-July) the turnover in trade was 69.40 million dollars. Poland exported goods worth 10.40 million dollars and Pakistan worth 59 million dollars. The balance of trade is in favour of Pakistan for 48.60 million dollars.
He said that the biggest sector in Pakistan's exports was textile comprising cotton fabrics, cotton yarn, clothes, bedding, and towels. Other items of export were chemical fibre, leather products, sports products, vegetable products and corn (rice) plastics, toys, marble, onyx, medical and veterinary instruments (surgical, dental, pedicure, manicure instruments).
He said that Poland exported to Pakistan machines, chemicals, cast iron and steel, wood pulp and cardboard, fertiliser, newsprint, machinery engines, rolling bearings, oil seeds, and milk powder.
Makles said he was working to improve trade and economic relations, create a better environment for business community and to establish industrial units in joint ventures. He said that Pakistani investors should visit Poland and explore joint venture opportunities.
He said he was convinced that exchange of trade delegations would prove effective and provide opportunity to Pakistan's businessmen to diversify their export preferences. "Polish businessmen are keen to buy Pakistani products, which are of high quality," he added.
Makles said that Poland is celebrating its Independence Day on November 11. After violent 123 years of partitions and uprising, Poland's dream of independence was realised and it again emerged as a sovereign state on November 11, 1918. "Since then, Poland is on the path of economic progress and expanding its business activities in different countries. Pakistan is emerging as one of those countries which have stable and dependable trade and commerce relations with us," he said.