RAWALPINDI
“Pakistan and Canada can enhance their trade and investment cooperation in different sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, mining, and infrastructure etc,” said High Commissioner of Canada in Pakistan, Perry Calderwood during his visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Tuesday.
Addressing RCCI members, Calderwood informed that Pakistan and Canada have a very broad relationship as both countries have been cooperating with each other in a range of areas since past many decades.
The current trade volume can be increased from $ 1 billion to $ 5 billion in next couple of years, he added.
Canada appreciates Pakistani government’s efforts to eradicate polio and will be contributing and supporting them through its development aid for the complete eradication of Polio.
He said that Pakistan is among those countries which are vulnerable to climate change. Being a member of Paris Agreement on climate change, Canada will continue its support and cooperation with Pakistan to meet the challenges of global warming.
While answering a question, Calderwood said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will help Pakistan to improve its regional integration and connectivity.
The security situation has been improved in Pakistan and this will attract foreign direct investment (FDI), he further added.
Being the major contributor to UN peace keeping forces around the world, Canada appreciates Pakistan’s contribution to world peace, he said.
Perry Calderwood expressed keenness to make all-out efforts towards encouraging the Canadian businessmen and investors to come to this part of the world.
Canadian High Commissioner further informed that they were also active in the area of women economic empowerment which was one of the priorities of the development programs for Pakistan. “Women economic empowerment is a priority of Canada’s government, both in domestic policy and also in foreign development policy.
Earlier, RCCI President, Raja Amer Iqbal, in his welcome address, stated that Pakistan and Canada share longstanding economic and political relations and have worked together in the past in various fields.
He highlighted that the RCCI wants to promote business, mutual understanding and friendly relations between the business communities of Pakistan and Canada.
There is a need to promote trade, commerce, and economic cooperation between the two countries, advocate steps to foster and organise trade and investment delegations, trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars and meetings etc.
Raja Amer said that Pothowar region has a tremendous potential in pharmaceutical, poultry, marble, gems and jewelry sectors. Joint ventures can play a vital role here to promote trade ties between the two countries, he added.
Senior Vice President Rashid Waien, Vice President Asim Malik, members of the executive committee and a large number of traders attended the meeting.
