Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan Lars-Hjalmar Wide on Tuesday said his country has shown keen interest to invest in energy and transport sectors of Pakistan. He said that Sweden could prove a good market for Pakistani fruits, vegetables, meat, leather, sports goods and textiles if full potential is exploited.
Lars-Hjalmar Wide said this while speaking to Sheikh Humayun Sayeed, Chairman Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Standing Committee on Diplomatic Affairs and Malik Sohail, Chairman Media FPCCI.
The ambassador informed that Swedish Chambers of Commerce has organised a delegation, which will explore possibilities of investment in green energy in Pakistan. Similarly, Volvo is interested in exporting buses to Pakistan, he added.
He lauded the role of Pakistan's embassy in Stockholm in promoting bilateral trade but added that perception of Pakistan is barring some investors from his country from launching projects.
Wide said that Swedish companies like Tetra Pak, Millicom International Cellular, Saab Automobiles and GAC Logistics were operating successfully in Pakistan, which provides an incentive to other companies.
However, he observed that a multinational construction and development company completed construction of a dam in AJK in 2000, but they are still awaiting payment, which is sending wrong signals to the foreign investors.
The ambassador of Sweden assured the FPCCI officials that intending investors of Sweden will be briefed on the opportunities in Pakistan.
He said frequent visits from private sectors and federal chambers will boost bilateral trade.
The envoy said that EU package to Pakistan might not be as good as many hoped, but its symbolic value is very important.
On the occasion, Sheikh Humayun Sayeed, Chairman FPCCI Committee on Diplomatic Affairs assured support in resolving problem of outstanding payment.
Sayeed said that all facilities would be extended to incoming Swedish delegation so that they can help Pakistan overcome energy crisis, which has reduced GDP growth.
Malik Sohail Hussain Chairman Media, Diplomatic Affairs & Public Relations said that Sweden focus on introducing environment friendly technologies will also help reduce impact of emissions.