Australia on Thursday said it was impressed by Pakistan's natural and human resource potential which was matchless. This was stated by Melissa Kelly, Economic Consul of Australian High Commission while talking to Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Diplomatic Affairs Sheikh Humayun Sayeed and Chairman Media FPCCI Malik Sohail.
According to an announcement of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) issued here on Thursday, Melissa Kelly stated that some of the recent signs of growth in Pakistan were very inspiring as this country fulfils the criteria to become a developed nation soon, it said.
Melissa Kelly, Economic Counsellor of Australian High Commission while talking to Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Diplomatic Affairs Sheikh Humayun Sayeed and Chairman Media FPCCI Malik Sohail. "Pakistan is gateway to energy rich central Asian states, financially viable Gulf States and economically advanced Far Eastern countries," she added.
She said Pakistan had world's second largest salt mine, fifth largest gold mine, fifth largest coal reserves, seventh largest copper mine; it was a great consumer market and having a competent workforce, the fourth largest in the world. Melissa Kelly, who represents 13th largest economy in the world, said that an Australian delegation had just completed visit of Pakistan and they had decided to investment in the citrus sector including construction of a juice extraction plant.
She said there was a great scope of co-operation between Pakistan and Australia in different sectors including energy, industry and agriculture. "Despite numerous challenges Pakistan's economy was fairing well which is very encouraging," she added.
At the occasion, Sheikh Humayun Sayeed highlighted the salient features of liberal and deregulated trade regime of Pakistan which offered enormous opportunities for foreign investors. All major international investors and companies were making profits despite the security challenges, he said. Stressing the promotion of economic links, Sayeed said the two countries should boost exchange of delegations and expos which would bring business communities together that would lead to more trade in future.
Malik Sohail appreciated the role of Australian High Commission in promotion of trade and economic relations between the two friendly countries. Former High Commissioner Tim George remained much closed to the local business community and his services would be long remembered, he said.
He said Australia could get access to central Asia by using Pakistan as an economic bridge. "The perception about Pakistan is not what is portrayed, we are better than most of the regional countries in ease of doing business, strong infrastructure, fast growing middle class," he added. Australia was the third choice for Pakistani students studying abroad, incentives could help Canberra climb the ladder, he said.