Direct flight operation and opening of Pakistani banking channels in Belarus will enhance bilateral trade with Belarus: Waseem Vohra

Karachi, August 25, 2015 (PPI-OT): Belarus was one of the most industrialized countries located in the heart of Europe and Pakistan could achieve better access to this region promoting trade with Belarus. This was stated by Waseem Vohra, Acting President FPCCI in a meeting with Masood Ahmed Khan Raja Ambassador of Pakistan designated to Belarus who visited FPCCI to meet the office bearers. The meeting was also attended by Shahnawaz Ishtiaq, Vice President FPCCI, Farooq Afzal, Capt. Abdul Rashid Abro, Siddique Misri, Mehmood Arshad among others.

Waseem Vohra said that Pakistan is enjoying cordial relations with Belarus and desires to enhance bilateral trade but the current trade statistics does not reflect the true picture of the potential of both the countries. He further said that the bilateral trade and economic relations can be enhanced and further strengthened if direct flight operation is started and Pakistani banking channels opened in Belarus.

He further said that Pakistan is a business friendly destination and offers excellent opportunities to foreign investors and welcome Belarusian investment in all sectors including telecom, engineering and power generation. Waseem Vohra further said that there are excellent and climatic opportunities for the promotion of tourism in Pakistan which can be made more attractive for the foreigners.

Masood Ahmed Khan Raja, Pakistan’s first ambassador to Belarus said that the Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif is focusing on enhancement and strengthening the bilateral trade and economic relations with Belarus and within 73 days Pakistan has signed about 30 agreements. He said that Pakistan is one of those few countries who have signed friendship agreement with Belarus.

He informed that a road map for enhancement of economic cooperation between the two countries has already been devised which included the matter of direct flight operation, banking facilities, business visa facilities etc. The Prime Minister desires to enhance bilateral trade to $1 billion with Belarus, he added. The Pakistani Ambassador further informed that initial working on PTA with Belarus is in the process of selection of items on both sides which will be soon materialized. This PTA will lead to FTA in near future.

For more information, contact:
M. A. Lodhi
Secretary General
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
B-1, Federation House, Main Clifton Road,
Shahra-e-Firdousi,
Karachi-75600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35873691, 93-94
Fax: +92-21-35874332
Email: info@fpcci.com.pk
URL: www.fpcci.com.pk