Argentine Ambassador to Pakistan and Dean of Diplomatic Corps Rodolfo J Martin Saravia, while addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said there was a need for increasing economic, commercial and political activities between Pakistan and Argentina to enhance bilateral trade relations between the business communities of both countries.
He said his country had started joint ventures with Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to produce medicines for Cancer and Hepatitis C treatment in Pakistan. Saravia further said that Argentina is a leader 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.
He said the bilateral trade volume between the two countries stood at $200 million in 2008 which dipped to around $130 million in recent years which implied there was a dire need to find ways and means through which the trade volume could be increased. He further stated that Pakistan had great potential in exporting fruits and vegetables in the international market, therefore, fruit processing plants should be developed on modern lines to avoid wastage of large quantities due to lack of proper packaging.
In his welcome address, President ICCI Zafar Bakhtawari lauded Saravia’s efforts in playing a dynamic role to strengthen bilateral relations in all spheres between the two countries. Bakhtawari said both countries should concentrate on existing opportunities and suggested that cooperation could be enhanced in agriculture, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. He stated that visits of business delegations should also be encouraged to explore markets. In this connection, he invited business delegations from Argentina for meeting with their Pakistani counterparts.
Bakhtawari said Pakistan’s exports to Argentina did not make significant improvements in recent years which meant there was a need to undertake frequent activities such as people to people contacts, organising country exhibitions, participation in fairs, seminars and workshops to ensure a continuous liaison.
