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Karachi, November 14, 2014 (PPI-OT): H.E. Mr. Emil Wyss, Consul General of Switzerland visited Pakistan Chemicals and Dyes Merchants Association. Nadeem Aftab, Vice Chairman and EC Members welcomed him and expressed their gratitude towards better relationship among the Governments and people of both Pakistan and Switzerland.
Aftab informed about the role of PCDMA towards promotion of trade and business activities at national level. H.E. Consul General of Switzerland in reciprocal, expressed gratitude and solidarity for the Pakistan and its citizens, Consul General of Switzerland was invited as Guest of Honour. Vice Chairman PCDMA appreciated the efforts and services of Salman Parvez and Arif Balagamwala as Convener and Advisor of Diplomatic Affairs Sub-Committee respectively.
Swiss Consul General expressed that presently Pakistan and Switzerland is facing bilateral trade deficit, however trade potential between Pakistan and Switzerland is enormous and both countries enjoyed a better volume in the recent past. He added that each crisis creates opportunities; efforts are on the way which will overcome the trade deficit shortly.
Swiss Consul General urged upon the need of frequent dialogue between business communities of two countries to further explore the trade potential. He informed that SME sector is the backbone of Swiss Economy and the Swiss Govt. has already taken measures to provide funds to SME sector for boosting their business activities.
He highlighted that Economic Relations between Pakistan and Switzerland are deep-rooted and many Swiss Companies are doing business in Pakistan independently and as joint venture. Since 1949, the Swiss Diplomatic Mission is active pursuing with Pakistan counterparts and business community to enhance bilateral trade, moreover, some Swiss companies started their business in 1861 in the sub-continental region,he added.
Swiss Consul General, with immense pleasure, disclosed that Switzerland ranks Pakistan as priority country for trade and the Top Ten Foreign Investors in Pakistan are Swiss Companies, namely, ABB, Nestle, Clariant, Sulzer etc. He encouraged the Business Community to enhance exports of textile and agriculture products to Switzerland.
He highly appreciated the role of Swiss-Pak Council for initiating skill development programmes to groom the Pak human resource for better professional services in order to augment the exports. He also disclosed that Switzerland has recently joined Schengen Treaty and now Pakistanis having Schengen visa can also visit Switzerland, however, Swiss Embassy and Consulate can provide visa in one month period after necessary processing.
Nadeem Aftab, Vice Chairman, Pakistan Chemicals and Dyes Merchants Association expressed respect to Swiss Confederation, its Business Community and the citizens. He appreciated that the Pak-Swiss bilateral relations never faded in the past and both countries remain connected throughout the last six decades and had enjoyed cordial economic relationship.
Traditional friendly political terms have endowed the foundation for a meaningful economic cooperation, he appreciated that Switzerland provided soft loans in the mid-sixties to establish Pakistan Machine Tool Factory which is now a largest machinery tools and parts provider for domestic need and its products are also exported.
Vice Chairman drew the attention of Consul General of Switzerland towards exports potential in textiles and chemical products, fruits and fresh juices and agro based products, handicrafts, surgical and sports items. He also asked the Consul General of Switzerland to motivate other prominent Swiss Companies to invest in the energy sector.
In order to accelerate the bilateral commercial and industrial activities, he recommended for exchange of delegations and participation of Pakistani Businessmen in international trade fairs of Switzerland.
For more information, contact:
Syed Shakil Ahmed
Secretary General
Pakistan Chemicals and Dyes Merchants Association
Chemical and Dye House, Rambharti Street,
Jodia Bazaar, Karachi-74000
Tel: +92-21-32432752, +92-21-32439124
Fax: +92-21-32430117
Email: pcdma2@gmail.com
Website www.pcdma.com.pk