British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thomson on Tuesday said that his country was trying its level best to help Pakistan get access to European market, which was a crucial issue. Talking to a high-profile delegation comprised VP Saarc CCI Iftikhar Ali Malik, VP FPCCI Amir Atta Bajwa, Chairman FPCCI, Capital Office, Hameed Akhtar Chadda, SVC, FPCCI Kanwar Qutbuddin and Chairman Media Malik Sohail.
He said that he has been given task to double bilateral trade in four years. We are trying to get EU trade concession of GSP Plus for Pakistan for introduction of more Pakistani products in Europe, he added. For this we need to enhance political relations, improve people-to-people contacts and invite British businessmen to invest in Pakistan, he said.
Adam Thomson said that Pakistan has easiest business environment in region but UK's SME sector is still reluctant to invest here which will be only possible if local business community extend co-operation. The envoy said that British exporters are not as aggressive as their Pakistani counterparts. This has resulted in increasing share of trade in favour of Pakistan.
He said that he is inviting British investors to explore energy, super markets and other promising sectors. On the occasion, Iftikhar Ali Malik, who is also former president FPCCI, said Pakistan is being deprived of due rights while other countries like Bangladesh are getting concessions.
He said that Reconstruction Opportunity Zones is not a viable idea, which he had already told US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a meeting. Iftikhar Ali Malik said that he has been trying for peace since fifteen years and now want support of diplomatic community. He asked UK to help boost regional trade.
Amir Atta Bajwa said that the relations between two governments depend on ties between people of these nations to which the High Commissioner agreed. Hameed Akhtar Chadda raised questions about visa procedure and fees to get convincing answers. To a question posed by Malik Sohail Hussian, the High Commissioner said that Pakistan has suffered more in war on terror than what it gets in return. "Do More" is not a helpful phrase; we all (allies in war on terror)need to do more, he said.
Lauding an offer by Malik Sohail, Adam Thomson said that dispute resolution initiative by the FPCCI, Pakistan's Apex body of trade and commerce, is to encourage the UK's business community in a great way pushing them to make a beeline to invest in Pakistan.
The High Commissioner also agreed to explore business exchange programmes and assured support in upgrading FPCCI's R&D section in the new building at Islamabad to boost its capacity. Ruling out any mediation between Pakistan and India, he said that there is no better way outside trade to foster relations. However, he added that UK would continue to work for improved ties between two neighbours in the background.
Thomson said that Pakistani nation and businessmen are one of the most resilient people on earth who can face anything. Ms Sharon Mc Donald 2nd Political Secretary of the British High Commission, Jason Mumtaz, Trade and Investment officer, BHC and other officials were also present in the meeting.