Pakistan should take advantage of Swedish energy saving technologies that could easily reduce energy consumption by 40 per cent. Thermal and green technologies are also fast developing, which are not only energy efficient, but also reduce carbon emissions for healthier environment. These observations were made by the Swedish steel magnate, Per Malmer, who visited Lahore on a three-day business visit. Speaking to a selected group of journalist here on Tuesday, he said there were so many sectors in Pakistan where energy could be saved through innovation and adoption of modern technologies.
He indicated his company was supplying steel related products and technologies to various steel manufacturing units in Pakistan that helped them to reduce energy consumption and make these units more competitive. In addition, Swedish water purification and cleaning technology also had great recognition around the world.
Responding to a question, Malmer said Pakistan had a good potential of exports in leather, agriculture and food products to European Union (EU) and other Scandinavian markets. “Pakistani mangos are really popular in Europe,” he said and added, however, Pakistani exports were not being encouraged properly despite chamber and trade bodies’ efforts. He underlined that more and more businessmen delegations should be exchanged between both countries to increase volume of bilateral trade and stronger ties. Malmer said though every country had some trade barriers to protect the local industry, but these barriers encourage inefficiencies. “In the free market economy only quality products and competitive prices will sustain, no other measure, including quotas, could help countries to protect their markets,” he stressed.
Answering a question, Swedish industrialist said his perception about Pakistan had changed entirely in just a couple of days, as he met friendly people here. Though, Pakistan and Sweden had entirely different cultures, he said, but he still saw similarities. Malmer pointed out he had been inspired from the strong family bonds present in the Pakistani society that could not be compared with Sweden or any other western country. However, youth of both countries had a similar lifestyle and thinking, he observed.
