The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged upon the private sector of Thailand to explore business potential of Pakistan and take advantage of opportunities offered by the energy sector for investment.
FPCCI President Zubair Ahmed Malik urged the governments of Pakistan and Thailand to promote bilateral relations and ensure a better future for the people of both countries.
Speaking at a seminar titled, “Pakistan’s Potential- Opportunities for Trade and Investment with Thailand,” the FPCCI president stressed the need for promoting liaison and consultation between the business circles of the two countries to help governments of both the countries promote effective economic relations.
It will boost exchange of information in spheres of trade, commerce, services and overall economic cooperation and organize exchange of business delegation as well as single country exhibitions.
Efforts will be made to identify and remove barriers which have been barring promotion of the bilateral trade and investment, he said.
Zubair Ahmed Malik said that bilateral trade volume between the two countries was mere $1 billion despite the fact that Pakistan being South Asia’s second largest economy was sitting at the crossroads of South and Central Asia as well as West and East Asia while Thailand, being member of ASEAN, offers 500 million consumer market which is an opportunity for Pakistani exporters.
He said both the countries could enhance bilateral trade through exchange of delegations, exhibitions and a preferential trade agreement leading to free trade agreement to promote both economies systematically, he said.
Thailand had developed expertise in food processing which could help us to increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and curtail post-harvest losses, he said.
Pakistan is ready and willing to share the geo-political advantages of its location with Thailand while the later should invest in Pakistan’s energy, readymade garments, automotive, SME, food, tourism, manpower, oil and gas and mineral exploration sectors, the leader of the business community demanded.
