Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson has said all efforts should be made to enhance the trade ties with Pakistan. While meeting with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad and Vice President Nasir Saeed on Friday, Australian HC said that she had a meeting with officials of the Australian Cricket Board to discuss the Australia-Pakistan cricket relations.
She underlined the need for boosting the trade relations between Pakistan and Australia, saying the meagre volume of bilateral business never reflected the cordial ties between the two countries. "Power generation, agriculture, livestock, sports goods, information technology, health and education are the key sectors wherein Pakistani businessmen can take advantage of Australian technological advancements to play their role for economic turnaround of the country. Pakistan can avail of Australian expertise in vocational training as Australian vocational training modules are best of the best in the world," she added.
She also stressed the need for frequent exchange of business-related delegations so that both the sides could have first-hand knowledge of the available opportunities and Pakistani goods are best in the world and have a huge potential in the Australian market. LCCI President Arshad said on the occasion, "The scenario in Pakistan is not as bad as being portrayed by the international media. It has become a safest zone because of joint efforts by the government and the armed forces. Pakistan is blessed with extensive natural resources, including oil and natural gas reserves, the fourth largest coal reserves in the world and potential for hydropower, Pakistan offers marvellous opportunities to Australian businessmen."
He further said that there are prospects for growth in trade and investment particularly in the field of agribusiness, education, mining for oil and gas exploration, IT and communications and development of processed foods. Pakistan is an agro-based economy but unfortunately, most of excessive agriculture produce wasted because of lack of post harvest technology, he added.
He said, "Pakistan is striving hard to strengthen its agro-based and dairy industry. Professional expertise of Australian agro-based industrial sector could be very helpful. There is a vast scope of investment in horticulture, cattle and sheep breeding, processing, canning, packing, and preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables." LCCI former presidents Mian Anjum Nisar, Muhammad Ali Mian and executive committee members were also present on the occasion.