ISLAMABAD: Looking to enhance trade with South Asia after Brexit, two British delegations will visit Pakistan next month to hold discussions on trade and investment ties between the two countries.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew called on Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, on Monday. They discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in the field of trade and investment.
Drew said that bilateral trading arrangements between Pakistan and the UK will further flourish in the future. He also informed that two high-level British delegations will visit Pakistan next month to hold discussions aimed at fostering trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The minister said that Pakistan and the UK have a strong partnership with mutual cooperation in various areas, and this partnership will further strengthen in the coming years. He said that Pakistan values the support and contributions of the British government for various development initiatives in Pakistan.
Welcoming the planned visits of the British delegations, the minister said that the visits will provide both sides another opportunity to explore new avenues for enhancing cooperation.
The finance secretary and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and British High Commission also participated in the meeting.
This is a step in the right direction, particularly in the situation when Pakistani exports are declining, export – import gap is widening, foreign remittances are declining. Pakistan need to enhance its exports to UK in the textile and leather products, agriculture oriented commodities. Similarly UK companies can develop joint ventures with the Pakistani enterprises in Tourism, mining, energy, pharma and other high tech value added manufacturing and trade.