960418

Cooperation pacts

to be signed with

Syria, Bahrain

during PM's visit

IQBAL MIRZA

KARACHI: Agreements of cooperation to strengthen trade relations will be signed with Syria and Bahrain, during Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's visit to these countries, beginning April 20.

While the agreement of cooperation between the Syrian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) will be signed in Damascus on April 21 a similar agreement between the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and FPCCI will be signed in Bahrain on April 23.

Both the agreements will be signed by Iftikhar Ali Malik, Zonal Chairman & Vice-President, FPCCI on behalf of the federation while the President of Syrian and Bahrain Chambers will sign on behalf of their organizations.

Iftikhar Ali Malik will accompany the prime minister as member of her official entourage.

The terms and conditions of both the agreements of cooperation are similar. These include: The "parties" shall cooperate and do their utmost to further improve and expand the trade between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the State of Bahrain and Syria.

The "parties" shall regularly exchange information and views on expansion of trade between the two countries to achieve this objective. It is mutually agreed that each contracting party shall supply the other with trade information and publications.

Every possible facility and assistance shall be accorded to businessmen, trade missions from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan visiting the State of Bahrain and Syria and vice versa. Letters of introduction from one party to the other shall be mutually honoured.

The "parties" agree to assist each other in the participation in trade fairs, exhibitions and expositions.

The "parties" agree to assist to support and encourage exchange of trade delegations and missions as well as visits of businessmen either individually or in group between the two countries.

The "parties" agree to organize meetings and seminars in both countries to inform businessmen about possibilities of investment and joint-ventures for advantageous trade opportunities.

The "parties" shall take all necessary steps to ensure that this agreement works to their mutual benefit and that it is jointly reviewed occasionally.