SIALKOT (January 20 2009): 'Strenuous efforts would be made for reinforcement of bilateral trade between Netherlands and Pakistan as both are enjoying very friendly and cordial relations since long and with the passage of time these ties would be further cemented.'
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Pakistan, T Jeerd De Zwaan said. Addressing the members of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Monday, he said that Netherlands under the Co-operation Plan 2008-2011, would invest in the fields of education, water, sanitation and environment in Pakistan. The Netherlands was the third largest investor after the United Kingdom and United States of America in Pakistan, he revealed.
The Netherlands Ambassador further stated that buyers had become more conscious about the quality control and issues pertaining to labour and it is high time that business community of Pakistan should concentrate on these issues and ensure hurdle free exports to their foreign buyers.
The President SCCI, Hassan Ali Bhatti in his welcome address urged the need of further strengthening the bilateral trade ties between the two friendly countries. He also invited Dutch business tycoons to invest in the second biggest Export Processing Zone of Pakistan adding that the zone provides extraordinary facilities and benefits to both foreign and local investors.
Bhatti pointed out that there was unlimited scope of expanding trade ties between Pakistan and Netherlands and suggested active involvement of Netherlands Chambers, which could serve as resource for exchanging information about trade. He also viewed that exchange of trade delegations and holding of joint trade exhibitions would further help in promoting bilateral trade.
The SCCI Chief proposed that Centre for the Promotion of Import (CBI) should hold training course on export marketing at SCCI for providing tailorised training for the exporters. 'The SCCI would provide all necessary help and support for holding the training course,' he added. Earlier, the Ambassador visited surgical and sports industrial units of Sialkot.
