Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said economic diplomacy was an integral part of his government’s foreign policy and stressed on further exploration of markets for Pakistani exports and investment.
The prime minister said this while he was talking to a group of ambassadors who had called on him at the Prime Minister House. Gilani said his government aimed at mutually beneficial economic partnerships which would help in strengthening relations with other countries.
He asserted that progression was impossible alone and formation of partnerships based on mutual interests was a step to fast-paced development. Pakistan, he maintained, was blessed with a unique geographical location, huge reservoirs of natural resources, distinct civilisation, cultural diversity and skilled manpower. These aspects, he said, needed to be highlighted abroad.
He further said Pakistan had suffered from an image problem created by vested interests and there was a dire need to correct misperceptions about the country. Referring to Pakistan’s cordial relations with Bosnia Herzegovina and Mexico, the prime minister underlined the need for adding substance to relationships with these two countries through focus on trade and enhanced interaction between private sectors. He urged the Ambassador Designate to Bosnia Herzegovina to work for re-activation of trade and investment agreement between the two countries. In case of Mexico, he urged the Ambassador Designate to exploit opportunities offered by Mexico through lifting of a ban on import of Pakistan’s Basmati Rice.