ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan Rolf Michael Hay Pereira Holmboe on Sunday said that Pakistan’s law and order situation has improved a lot but the country still needs to do a lot in order to attract international investment.
In an exclusive interview with Online, he said, “Pakistan needs to provide a peaceful and friendly environment to international investors for enormous investments in the future.”
“Denmark’s core focus is to expand bilateral trade with Pakistan and our government is keen to enhance ties in different fields, including textile, renewable energy and pharmaceutical,” he added.
He said that Denmark has supported Pakistan in gaining GSP plus status and has led to an increase in Pakistan’s trade. Denmark is the hub of the European market and can prove better access to Pakistani products in Europe, he added. He also said that Danish companies would sign joint ventures with Pakistan in different sectors to enhance bilateral trade.
Responding to a question, the ambassador said that he would talk with Danish companies for working with Pakistani companies in the knitwear sector. Many Pakistani investors do not have access to global markets, he added.
“Through Denmark, Pakistani companies can have a better access to the global market and it would be good for Pakistan’s economic future,” he further said.
He also said that Denmark is the first country to produce a vaccine for diabetes and is helping other countries in this regard.
He said that Denmark is engaged with Pakistan in its process to become a prosperous country.
“The current trade volume between the countries is on a half-billion mark and we have had a forty per cent increase in trade in the last few years,” he said.
He said that Pakistani products, particularly cotton, are very good and through the aid of modern technology, their quality and production can be improved and the production cost can be decreased.
Talking about the regional situation and role of Pakistan, he said that the situation in major cities has improved and has had positive impacts on the country’s economy. The growth rate has increased by four to five per cent which is a good sign for Pakistan, he added.
Talking about the scope of the renewable energy sector in Pakistan, he said, “Wind energy is the cheapest energy in the world and since Denmark is an expert in this field, it can help Pakistan. Some wind corridors in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan have been identified where 2600MW energy can be produced easily at a low cost.”
The ambassador further said that Denmark wants to improve its relations with Pakistan in all fields.
“Since the new government took charge, we have met with Finance Minister Asad Omer and are rebuilding business relations. Moreover, Pakistan is a great tourist destination but the government needs to improve the law and order situation for the tourism sector to flourish,” he concluded.
