A liaison session between foreign diplomats under training at the Foreign Services Academy of Pakistan and the businessmen representing the Islamabad Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) was held in Islamabad to explore business opportunities. The delegation of diplomats was headed by Director (Program), Irfan Shaukat of the Foreign Services Academy of Pakistan. He was leading a cohort of 28th Junior Diplomatic Course which included diplomats from Kazakhstan, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Nicaragua, Samoa, Solomon Island, South Sudan, Tanzania, Gambia, Togo, Uganda and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

President of ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari while talking to the delegation emphasized the importance of establishing trade links with the African countries. He said Africa has a growing population with many developing countries. He added that Pakistan can source many raw materials for its industry from Africa. In addition, he said, Pakistan can sell its products in the African market for an increased market share.

He continued, “it is very important that direct trade links are established between Pakistan and African countries. Pakistan can export many products from wide ranging industries to Africa including textiles, IT & software, pharmaceuticals, sports goods, leather products, surgical instruments, marble & granite, rice and others.” He also briefed the diplomats on available business opportunities in Pakistan. Director (Program), Foreign Services Academy of Pakistan, Irfan Shaukat, during the meeting explained the purpose of bringing foreign diplomats to ICCI.

He said the diplomats must interact with the business community of Pakistan and understand the business dynamics of the country so that they can play an effective role in economic diplomacy. He added that the FSA has trained over 1,500 diplomats from 49 countries. He thanked the ICCI for giving the delegation a warm welcome and hospitality to the foreign diplomats. The diplomats showed interest in promoting trade of their respective countries with Pakistan. They asked many questions and got detailed answers from the members of the business community. The liaison session was also attended by Vice President of ICCI, Azhar ul Islam Zafar; Vice President of ICCI, Mian Shaukat Masud; Zafar Bakhtawari, Arshad Janjua and other notable members.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk