Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Tuesday said Pakistan and Australia need to undertake serious efforts to open up new vistas and avenues for enhanced trade between the two countries.
While talking to Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward who called on him at the PM House, he said bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing steadily over the past few years, however pointed that the trade volume still remains far below its true potential. He said Pakistan would like to welcome more Australian corporate entities to consider investment opportunities in its oil and gas, mining, power generation in hydel, thermal and renewable energy fields and agro-based industry.
The prime minister said Pakistan attaches importance to cordial ties with Australia, as both the countries share common perceptions and enjoy convergence of views on democratic values, war against terrorism, global peace and security and regional stability.
Sharif said people of Pakistan were grateful to the government and people of Australia for acknowledging Pakistan’s human and economic sacrifices in its struggle to counter terrorism.
Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatmi was also present during the meeting.