ISLAMABAD: Russian Federation on Wednesday invited the Pakistani businessmen to participate the world biggest Expo 2025 to held in Ekaterinburg city of Russia as about 140 countries are likely to participate the mega event.
A delegation of Russian Federation led by Sverdlovsk Region Deputy Governor Alexander G Visokinskiy visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and invited Pakistani business community to participate in the Expo 2025.
Ekaterinburg is the geographical centre of the Russian Federation and the Capital of the Urals, one of the largest commercial, scientific and industrial cosmopolitan centres, said a press release.
Ekaterinburg has a well-developed infrastructure, modern transport system, technoparks and other facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Alexander G Visokinskiy said that Russia has never hosted an expo before and for the first time it was going to organise World Expo 2025 designed as a Smart City that would live on after the event.
He said more than 140 countries will participate in the expo that would be the largest international event covering an area of 555 hectares and provide a good platform for demonstration of technical, technological, industrial, cultural and social achievements.
He said the expo would provide Pakistani business community with a good opportunity to demonstrate their good quality products and enhance their business prospect. They would also be able to hold business negotiations and strengthen cooperation with international participants.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed said that Pakistan and Russia enjoyed good relations, but given the size of the economies of both countries their bilateral trade of less than $ 500 million was discouraging.
He said both countries were trading in limited items and they should focus on diversification of trade to achieve mutually beneficial results. He said Russia has good expertise in energy, engineering and other sectors and could help Pakistan in many fields of economy.
He said both countries also have good potential to develop strong defence cooperation. He said Pakistan could provide Russia better market access to South Asia, Middle East, Africa and other countries.
Similarly, Pakistan could achieve better market access to Central Asia through Russia. Thus their close cooperation would be mutually beneficial.
He said CPEC has created great prospects for business and investment in Pakistan, adding that Russian investors should visit Pakistan to explore joint ventures and investment in CPEC. They could invest in Pakistan’s oil and gas, minerals and other sectors as well.
He said both countries should encourage frequent exchange of trade delegations and organise exhibitions on a reciprocal basis that would help in further improving bilateral trade and economic relations.
