Bokhari for utilization of regional potential, economic ties with Nepal

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari said on Thursday that SAARC countries should fully exploit their potential rising together to lead region towards peace, progress and prosperity.
While talking to Nepalese Ambassador Bharat Raj Paudyal here at Parliament House, today, Bokhari said that Pak-Nepal relations said that Pakistan attaches great value to its relations with Nepal which are based on mutual respect and trust. The Chairman said that there is dire need to enhance people to people contacts between the two nations via exchange of Parliamentary, business and other delegations. Such direct interactions can lead to better understanding and networking for mutual benefits.
The Chairman Senate said that exchange of Parliamentary delegations are vital for strengthening our relations as elected representatives of the respective countries can better communicate the will and wishes of their people.
Bokhari stressed the need for enhancing cooperation in various fields particularly increasing bilateral trade volume and strengthening economic ties. The Chairman said that SAARC countries should follow suit like EU and ASEAN model for strong economic and trade relations. Bokhari told the Ambassador that Pakistan can export rice, wheat, mangoes, citrus fruit and textile products to Nepal.
Reciprocating the Nepalese Ambassador said that I convey warm wishes of our leaders, civil society and business people to their Pakistani counterparts. Since establishment of our diplomatic relation in 1960 Pak-Nepal relations have been moving forward.
Mr. Bharat Raj said that potential for cooperation between the two countries is under-utilized and it is high time that we put it on high priority. Talking about trade relations between Pakistan and Nepal the Ambassador said that we have bilateral trade agreement and Pakistani businessmen have held single country exhibition in Kathmandu for last three consecutive years and Nepal want this reciprocity for single country exhibition in Pakistan to introduce its products as well. He told the Chairman that Nepal produces good quality tea which can be exported to Pakistan as Pakistanis are high consumers of tea.
Answering a query by the Ambassador regarding the upcoming election in Pakistan the Chairman said that the existing Parliament will complete its tenure by March 2013 and hence the elections are likely to be held around that time.
He said however, this is the discretion of the Prime Minister to advise President for an election date. The Chairman said that in democracy it is the domain of the people to exercise their authority to decide who will rule them and holding of free, fair and transparent elections can ensure that which is priority of the present government.
The Chairman, at the end, expressed the hope that our relations will develop further by presence of the Ambassador through creating more harmony resulting in boosting our ties. We wish to see Nepal blossom in economic prosperity and political stability. He added.