High Commissioner of Canada Heather Cruden has said that Canadian companies are being encouraged to visit Karachi in order to explore trade and investment opportunities in this region.
Exchanging views during her visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Canadian High Commissioner sounded fairly optimistic about the security situation of Karachi which has been improving and is much better as compared to other areas of the country. “We encourage Canadian companies and numerous business delegations have been visiting Pakistan but we cannot force them invest here”, she said, adding that the perception about Pakistan was still an issue which refrains Canadian investors.
She observed that Pakistan and Canada have been enjoying long-lasting relations and both countries share joint values. Honorary Consul General of Canada in Karachi Behram D Avari, KCCI Senior Vice President I Zia Ahmed Khan, KCCI Vice President Muhammad Naeem Sharif, former President KCCI Majyd Aziz, former Senior Vice President KCCI Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present in the meeting.
Earlier, while welcoming the High Commissioner, KCCI Senior Vice President Zia Ahmed Khan informed that Karachi, which is the economic hub of Pakistan, offers profitable investment opportunities and added facilities for investment and joint ventures. “The law and order situation in Karachi is not an issue any more, thanks to the untiring efforts made by law-enforcement agencies in dealing with the situation and restoring peace to a certain extent,” he added.
He was of the view that Karachi is an attractive place for Canadian investors, who can surely earn maximum profits by setting up their businesses or undertake joint ventures. “The Karachi Chamber is keen to develop trade ties and explore new bilateral trade prospects with Canada as we believe that Pakistan’s improved relations and enhanced trade with countries like Canada would surely help in dealing with the ongoing economic crisis being faced by the country,” he stressed.
Zia Ahmed Khan further invited the Canadian companies to participate in 13th “My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony” exhibition scheduled to be organised in April next year which will provide an excellent opportunity to Canadian businessmen and industrialists to showcase their products and build strong linkages with the business community of Karachi.
Speaking on the occasion, KCCI former President Majyd Aziz sought Canadian assistance in capacity- building of women entrepreneurs and improving the health and education sectors of Pakistan which were in the pathetic state. He was of the view that the cordial relations between Pakistan and Canada provide a comfort zone to business communities of the two countries who must look for investment opportunities either in Pakistan or in Canada.
Majyd Aziz opined that the existing trade figures between Pakistan and Canada were not reflecting the actual potential which requires special attention and efforts from both sides.
Former KCCI SVP Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, on the occasion said Pakistanis based in Canada can surely play the role of a bridge between the two countries. “With improved security situation, these Pakistanis expats can now consider investing or undertaking joint ventures in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
“With completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistan will emerge as land of opportunities where not only China but other countries including Canada can benefit from the situation by investing in logistics, warehousing, cold storages, energy, agriculture, cement, infrastructure and many other sectors,” he added.
