Argentina Ambassador to Pakistan, Rodolfo J Martin Saravia has expressed the hope that Pakistan would overcome energy and gas crises very soon. He said that in this regard Argentina is ready to cooperate in energy, agriculture, CNG sectors. He said this while addressing the local business community at Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) on Wednesday.
He said that both the countries are enjoying strong friendship, economic relations which can be further strengthened in the future. Terming the mangoes of Multan the best, he urged the mango growers to use proper system of packaging to enhance mango export. Efforts should be made for enhancing exchange of trade delegations and interaction between the private sectors of Pakistan and Argentina would certainly pave way for improved trade relations.
Rodolfo Martin Saravia pointed out that both countries have been enjoying good bilateral trade relation since last 25 years. Rodolfo Saravia advised Pakistani businessmen to focus on diversifying exports to Argentina for better trade volume. "There is also a great scope of co-operation between the two countries in textile, pharmaceuticals, livestock, dairy, agriculture sectors," he added.
Rodolfo admitted business visa is major problem being faced by Pakistani investors but the businessmen should meet certain requirements due to security concerns in order to become eligible for visa issuance. He added that ceramics industry should be promoted and a modern institute should be established in Multan with the help of MCCI for this purpose.
MCCI President, Khawaja Muhammad Usman said Pakistan recorded export volume around $51 million to Argentina, while imports from Argentina were around $37 million during 2013. Pakistan's exports to Argentina include man-made staple fibres, cotton and cotton fabric and sports goods.
There was a significant potential to enhance trade between the two countries in the fields of agriculture, alternate energies, pharmaceuticals and CNG buses could serve as key sector for starting joint ventures between the two countries. There is also need of effective utilisation of trade talks, exhibitions and other trade strategies for promotion of bilateral trade between the two countries, MCCI chief added.