Pakistan seeks to further enhance its trade and economic relations with its two biggest trading partners, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, to benefit the economy. This was stated by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Acting President Faad Waheed while talking to a group of politicians and businesspeople of Pakistani descent from the UK and the USA, who had come to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) under the leadership of Member of the UK Parliament and Shadow Minister for Employment, Imran Hussain.

According to Faad Waheed, the bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United States is now approximately $10.5 billion, and the trade with the United Kingdom is about £2.9 billion, which is still less than its potential. He noted that more significant measures are required to further enhance Pakistan’s trade with the UK and the USA. He said that the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and the USA should contribute more significantly to improving Pakistan’s economic and investment links with these crucial countries. He extended an invitation to the Pakistani diaspora in the UK and the USA to consider joint ventures and investment in Pakistan.

He gave them the assurance that the ICCI would provide them with all assistance available in such endeavours. With more than 220 million customers, he said that Pakistan is a sizable market with great potential for business partnerships and investments across a range of the country’s economic sectors. According to ICCI Vice President Muhammad Azhar ul Islam Zafar, Pakistan has an excellent opportunity to increase its exports to the USA and the UK. He stressed the importance of frequent trade delegation exchanges to discover all the untapped potential for collaboration between Pakistan and the UK and the USA.

ICCI Group Leader Khalid Iqbal Malik said the Pakistani diaspora should consider investing in Pakistan’s housing and construction, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure improvement, tourism, and other sectors. He assured them that ICCI will offer full assistance in order to put them in touch with the appropriate Pakistani partners. Speaking on the occasion, Imran Hussain stated they all support Pakistan and want to serve as a link between Pakistan and the UK.

He extended an invitation to the ICCI delegation to visit the UK and praised ICCI for their kind hospitality. Deputy Mayor of Manchester Yasmin Dar, Lord Wajid Khan, and Lord Qurban Hussain, members of the UK House of Lords, among others, spoke at the event and emphasised the need for Pakistan to establish an atmosphere that encourages young Pakistanis living abroad to invest in Pakistan.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk