Brazilian Ambassador in Pakistan, Alferdo Leoni has stressed the need for removal of negative image of Pakistan in the world, to attract foreign investment and explore economic opportunities in the country, saying that there is huge potential to invest in various sectors.
He asked the businessmen to play their role for the development of soft image of Pakistan. He said that his country wanted to improve bilateral economic and trade relations with the Pakistan, but its negative image should be removed for attracting foreign investment in the country.
Though, he said that the trade between Pakistan and Brazil grown from US $44 million to US $80 million last year, but much needed to further work for enhancement of the current volume of trade between both the countries. Addressing the businessmen, traders and industrialists during his visit to Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) here on Monday, he said that Brazil is emerging economic giant in BRICS nations with six largest economy across the world, adding that his country has leading producer and exporters of iron, coffee, soyabean, orange juice, corn, beef, chicken, sugar, tobacco and ethanol. He informed that two Brazilian delegations were working in ethanol and sugarcane sectors in Pakistan.
SCCI President, Afan Aziz, Vice President Abid Salam, executive members, industrialists, traders and members of business community were present on the occasion. Leoni said that Brazil foreign mission was providing every possible help to launch joint ventures to boost up trade between both the countries. He maintained that Brazil is the gateway to MERCOSUR (Common Market of South America). He asked the Pakistan businessmen to visit Brazil to play their due role for development of soft image of the country. He viewed that there is huge potential and economic opportunities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata.
He said his country wants a long term engagement with Pakistan through mutual trade and economic relations. He informed the Brazilian Embassy is working on provision of multi-visa facility for period of five years to Pakistani businessmen, aimed to enhance business to business contact among both countries. Earlier, SCCI President Afan Aziz in his welcome speech said that Brazilian foreign mission is issuing visas to Pakistani businessmen for a period of 1-2 months, suggesting the embassy give businessmen 5-year multiple visas to facilitate them.