Ambassador of Romania in Pakistan has said there is tremendous potential and both countries should enhance economic and cultural activities. Mr Emilian ION said cooperation between the business communities of both countries can be given a boost. He made these remarks during a meeting with Yassar Sakhi Butt, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). He also exchanged views on common interests and agreed to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
Mr ION said there were around 700 Pakistani investors, who were involved in profitable business ventures in Romania, adding that local business community could export their products especially textile, garments, leather articles, sports and surgical instruments to Romania. He informed Pakistan Romania-Business Council has provided various linkages for the exchange of business related information between the two countries.
The ambassador proposed that youth of both countries should also be connected as youth delegations could be helpful in identifying more areas of cooperation to move forward. He said construction of the monument which was dedicated to national poets of Romania and Pakistan, Mihai Eminescu and Allama Iqbal has brought a new bond of friendship and enhanced cultural relations between Romania and Pakistan. In his welcome address, Yassar Sakhi Butt President, ICCI termed the annual bilateral trade between Romania and Pakistan was very low which is around $150 million and underlined the need to further improve it. He said organising of joint cultural shows and frequent exchange of business delegations are the options which could be used to exploit untapped bilateral trade and investment potential in both countries. Yassar Sakhi Butt said Pakistani products including rice, sports goods, surgical instruments, pharmaceutical, leather and textile products could be exported to Romania and proposed that Romanian businessmen should look into the opportunities to develop business relations in the identified areas.