Tremendous amount of economic, commercial and political activities between Argentina and Pakistan should be taking place for enhancing bilateral trade relation between the business communities of both countries.
These remarks were made by Ambassador of Argentina in Pakistan and Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Rodolfo J Martin Saravia while addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI).
He said that his country has started joint ventures with Pakistani Pharmaceutical Company to produce Cancer, Hepatitis C treatment medicines in Pakistan.
The Ambassador further said that Argentina was a leading country in the use of CNG and Pakistan was already importing CNG equipment from Argentina, adding that agriculture, alternative energies, pharmaceutics and CNG buses for passengers could serve as key sectors for starting joint venture.
The Dean of Diplomatic Corps said that bilateral trade volume between the two countries was stood at US $200 million in 2008 which fell to $120 to $130million in recent year.
Thus, there is a dire need to find ways and means through which bilateral trade volume could be increased. He said that Pakistan has great potential for the exports
of fruits and vegetables in the international market, therefore, fruit processing plant should be developed on modern lines as large quantity of fruits and vegetable wasted due to lack of proper packaging.
In his welcome address, Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI, lauded the devoted efforts of H.E. Rodolfo J Martin Saravia for playing a dynamic role in further strengthening bilateral relations in all areas
between Pakistan and Argentina. He said that the Ambassador of Argentina is among the foremost dynamic and career diplomats, who has played a vital role in bringing the two countries closer to each other.
ICCI President said that both the countries should concentrate on the existing opportunities and suggested that cooperation can be enhanced in the agriculture, energy and pharmaceutical sectors.
He said that visit of business delegations should also be encouraged to explore markets. In this connection, he invited business delegations from Argentina for meeting with the Pakistani counterparts.
Bakhtawari said that Pakistan’s exports to Argentina did not make any significant improvement, thus, there is need to undertake frequent activities like people to people contract, organizing country exhibitions, participation in fairs, seminars and workshops to ensure a continuous liaison.
