Foreign diplomats should extend more support to trade bodies in developing strong linkages of Pakistan’s private sector with foreign counterparts that will significantly help in boosting Pakistan’s trade and exports, observed Muzzamil Hussain Sabri, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was addressing a dinner reception hosted by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in honor of foreign diplomats. A large number of diplomats including Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomatic representatives of various countries including Japan, Germany, US, China, Sweden, Spain, Malaysia, Iran, South Africa, Romania, UAE, Jordon, Mauritius, Argentine, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Kazakastan, Azerbaijan, Kirghizstan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya and others were present at the occasion. Essam Alqrara UNIDO Representative and Mr. Aziz Boolani CEO Serena Hotel also attended the event.

 

ICCI President said Pakistan offered immense potential for joint ventures and investment in various sectors of its economy including energy, infrastructure development, exploration of oil & gas, minerals etc. and urged that foreign diplomats should play their role in bringing more investment in Pakistan to tap these lucrative opportunities. He assured that ICCI would further strengthen its relations with foreign missions to facilitate stronger connectivity of Pakistani entrepreneurs with foreign countries. 

 

Abdul Rauf Alam, Chairman Founder Group said that businessmen and exporters of Pakistan were making best efforts to promote trade and exports despite facing many challenges and they needed more support of foreign missions to find out new opportunities of getting enhanced access to international markets. He said some foreign media channels were portraying wrong perception of Pakistan to the outside world and foreign diplomats should cooperate in improving Pakistan’s image at world level. Muhammad Shakeel Munir Senior Vice President ICCI also addressed the event and thanked the foreign diplomats for gracing the occasion. 

 

Speaking on behalf of the diplomats, H.E. Mr. Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of Philistine said it was not possible for diplomats to visit every Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, however, such events provided a good opportunity to interact with local businessmen to discuss possibilities of mutual cooperation. He said the conditions in Pakistan were good for business and urged that local & foreign media should play positive role in projecting real scenario about Pakistan so that foreign investors and businessmen should feel encouraged to explore Pakistan for business and investment. He thanked ICCI for hosting dinner in honor of diplomats and hoped that the event would help in promoting soft image of Pakistan.