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Belgium wants to boost trade ties with Pakistan

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of Belgium, Igor Haustrate, said here on Saturday that the bilateral trade between the two countries could flourish only in an atmosphere of mutual confidence and with sufficient degree of information.

He made these remarks after the inauguration ceremony of the first ever catalogue exhibition of Belgium firms held under the aegis of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

Igor said the atmosphere of mutual confidence exists between the two countries and termed the holding of exhibition as a milestone, in the promotion of bilateral trade.

Terming the exhibition as a professional way for promoting bilateral trade, he stressed for further improving the existing economic relations between the entrepreneurs of the both friendly countries.

While welcoming the ambassador, RCCI president S M Naseem, said that Belgium is an important trade partner of the country. He invited the investors from Belgium to have joint ventures with Pakistani investors in the industrial zone of Rawat.

He said during 1993-94 exports to Belgium were to the tune of $ 157.871 million where as our imports were valued at $ 120.973 million. During 1997-98 the exports to Belgium increased to $ 236.162 million, while the imports decreased to $ 112.048 million.

Naseem urged upon the business community of the both countries to help remove the communication gap, which he termed as a major hindrance in improving bilateral trade relations.

Trade commissioner for Walloon region of Belgium embassy said a delegation of Belgium's businessmen, will visit Pakistan in April to explore new avenues of cooperation. He offered all help to RCCI if it intends to hold a catalogue exhibition in Belgium.