SCCI invites Belgian investors to explore CPEC projects

PESHAWAR: Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Sherbaz Bilour has invited Belgians investors to make investments in hydel power, oil & gas, mines & mineral, gemstones, tourism, agriculture and other sectors under the framework of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasising that the province has huge potential available for foreign investors.

The SCCI chief said this during a meeting with Belgium Ambassador to Pakistan Philippe Bronchain at the chamber house on Wednesday. SCCI Senior Vice President Engineer Manzoor Elahi, SCCI Vice President Junaid Altaf, former FPCCI president Ghazanfar Bilour, former SCCI presidents, members of the chamber executive committee and Embassy of Belgium Trade Commissioner Abid Hussain were also present on the occasion.

The meeting discussed various prospects to enhance bilateral trade, investment and joint ventures between Belgium and Pakistan.

Trade Commissioner Abid Husain shed light on the bilateral trade volume between the two countries and potential sectors where economic and trade relations could be enhanced.

Both sides agreed that the SCCI and Brussels Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) would sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) so as to enhance trade linkages between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Bronchain said that his country was interested in making investments in Pakistan, adding that he would play a constructive role in building a strong image of Pakistan in his country.

It may be noted that Belgium is an important country of Europe, with Brussels being the European Union’s (EU) headquarter. Strengthening of trade ties with Belgium could also help Pakistan maintain and improve the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) plus status.

The SCCI president stressed the need to establish business-to-business contacts, hold joint trade exhibitions, exchange trade delegations and simplify the process of business and tourism visas.

Philippe Bronchain agreed with the recommendations and emphasised the need to further bolster mutual trade and economic ties between the two countries.