KARACHI – A 20-member buyers’ delegation from Spain, currently visiting Pakistan, would look for potential suppliers of various products from Pakistan.
Members of the famous El Corte Ingles Group, Spain’s largest chain stores in Europe, who met Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul Ibad on Thursday, would have a series of meetings with Pakistani exporters, businessmen and traders.The buyers group is keen to meet potential suppliers of products of their interest. This, according to sources, would also provide a unique opportunity for Pakistani exporters to find a market place for their products, in not only Spain, but also in the European countries.
During their stay in Pakistan, foreign importers would also meet various chambers of commerce and trade associations across the country.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), who had initially organised the delegation’s visit, has also announced to hold a media briefing on Saturday. The delegation, led by Borja De La Cierva, would also try to explore the potential of Pakistani retail industry and would explore options to enhance the existing bilateral trade.
Pakistan and Spain have traditionally enjoyed close and cordial relations, characterised by shared perceptions on major global and regional issues.
Earlier, the delegation also visited the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT). Ranked fourth in the European Union, El Corte Ingles Group Spain is one of the largest chain stores in Europe.
It has an annual turnover of Euro 25 billion. Pakistani exports to Spain, as per the data of 2008, stood at over $126 million while imports exceeded $541 million, triggering a huge trade deficit. Major export items to Spain were article of apparel/cloth access, cotton yarn and woven fabrics, made up textile articles, rags, leather and leather manufacture and sports goods. While, the major import commodities were iron & steel boilers, machinery & mech. appliance, organic chemicals, telecommunication
appliances/equipments and ceramic products.
