A word of advice from Samba-land

Brazilian Ambassador to Pakistan Alfredo leoni said on Monday there was plenty of room for improvement in bilateral trade between the two countries.
Leoni said he was not here just to promote the commercial relations between Pakistan and Brazil, but also to send a clear message that the embassy was here to help you in doing business with Brazil or traveling to Brazil, a rising power in the world.
The ambassador was addressing executive members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI).
He said Brazil is the largest commercial partner of Pakistan in Latin America. Leoni said one positive thing is that Pakistan’s export to Brazil reached almost by 80 percent during 2009 to 2011i.e from $44 million to $80 million. He said major Brazilian exports to Pakistan included cotton, plastic, iron and steel and major Brazilian imports from Pakistan included textile items, surgical items, soccer balls etc.
The ambassador said Brazil had become a major international player and this was the reason Brazil contributed $1.55 million in cash to the flood victims in Pakistan during the past two years.
Leoni said Brazil government had offered 5-year multiple visa facility to Pakistan business community and the Pakistan government had given a positive response.
He said customs clearance issues between the two sides could be mutually settled to facilitate traders.Leoni said Brazilian government was working with the Pakistan government in technical cooperation. He said Pakistan business community should project Pakistan in a positive manner to promote business between the two sides.
He said Brazil is the 8th biggest consumer market, adding businessmen should visit the embassy website to register and become a member of the biggest database available in Brazil involving global trading companies, market studies, information on fairs and trade offers.
Earlier, welcoming the guest, KPCCI President Afan Aziz said Brazilian embassy in Islamabad was issuing visas to Pakistani business for a period of 1-2 months, suggesting the embassy give businessmen 5-year multiple visas to facilitate them.
Aziz requested the Brazilian customs to relax procedure to allow Pakistani small traders to carry samples to Brazil.
He said Brazil is one of the major countries in tobacco production and trade. Aziz said Brazil was also importing tobacco from Pakistan. He said tobacco trade volume could be enhanced for mutual benefit. Aziz said Brazil could also help Pakistan in energy sector particularly hydropower. He suggested bilateral ties between the two sides be enhanced. He assured the ambassador of chamber’s support in all fields.