Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s President Muhammad Haroon Agar has stressed upon the need to augment Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral economic and commercial cooperation.
Pakistan should benefit from the New Zealand’s expertise in agriculture, food processing, dairy, technical-level education in food processing, animal health, post-harvesting techniques, and renewable energy sources.
Exchanging views with Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to New Zealand H.E. Zehra Akbari during her visit to KCCI, he stated that to enhance reciprocal trade, KCCI can sign MoU with Wellington Chamber of Commerce for mutual cooperation. There is a dire need to enhance people to people contact, exchange of business delegation.
He said that presently an Honorary Consulate of New Zealand is operating in Pakistan, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Pakistan is stationed in Tehran and visas are issued from Dubai.
Therefore, he was of view, opening of New Zealand’s Embassy and Commercial Office in Pakistan is important to enhance bilateral trade and relations. He said that New Zealand’s trade with Pakistan is only around $100 Million as is in favour of New Zealand. Pakistan’s main exports to New Zealand are textiles, linen, cereals, apparels, carpets, handicrafts, sports goods etc. Whereas main imports are pumps, dairy products, wool products, other animal products etc. Pakistan & New Zealand signed a trade agreement in 1990.
The meeting of Joint Trade Committee was delayed for 22 years and was held in 2012 whereby Pakistan’s Commerce Secretary also gave the expression of interest to start negotiations on FTA. He underscored on the frequent sessions of Joint Trade Committee. New Zealand’s Minister Trade Phil Goff during his visit to Pakistan in 2007 also visited KCCI and met the then President KCCI to exchange views on bilateral trade.
Phil Goff also launched pilot project “Waster of Energy” in Landhi Karachi to convert animal waste into fuel and fertilizer. He said that serious efforts are required from both the governments and business communities level to enhance bilateral trade and to double the trade volume between two friendly countries. He also requested the High Commissioner to invite exhibitors to participate in the Karachi Chamber’s My-Karachi Oasis of Harmony Exhibition scheduled to be organized in July 2013. High Commissioner-designate to New Zealand H.E. Zehra Akbari, speaking on the occasion stated that Pakistan and New Zealand are maintaining cordial political relationship however, bilateral trade need attention of two countries for enhancement. She informed that Pakistan’s High Commission was opened in Wellington particularly to facilitate the 8000 members of Pakistani community.
He stated that Pakistani community was proactive in New Zealand and one Pakistani was also elected as the member of parliament. Currently 142 scholars from Pakistan are completing their Ph.D in New Zealand, she informed. She stated that New Zealand’s embassies worldwide are limited. She appreciated the vital role of KCCI in the socio-economic development of Pakistan and to promote trade and industry in Karachi and elsewhere.
She proposed that KCCI may compose a high-level business delegation to New Zealand to explore new trade prospects. She was of the view that Pakistani, textiles, apparel, carpets, mangoes can be exported to New Zealand. Two way trade exceeded to $150 Million in the past, however, the last year’s trade figures were around $109 Million out of which Pakistan’s share is about $40 Million.
Like, EU countries, the New Zealand is also focusing towards Asia in respect of trade, she apprised. The present population of New Zealand is around 4.4 million. She said that economic ties with two countries can further strengthened particularly in the areas of dairy, agriculture, food and education. Senior Vice President KCCI Shamim Firpo, Vice President Nasir Mehmood and Managing Committee Members also participated in the meeting also participated and exchanged views.