JEDDAH, 22 October 2007 — Pakistan has become a business hub as the country pursues a policy of “trade diplomacy” to provide maximum possible opportunities to entrepreneurs for better market access, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Shahid Karimullah said.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday night held in connection with the “2nd Pakistan Specific Week (Catalog Show)” which is going to be held on Nov. 3-7 at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Karimullah said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong economic relations.
The main aim of this show is to convince Saudi businessmen to invest in Pakistan and at the same time market Pakistani products in Kingdom, Karimullah said.
“I urge Saudi businessmen to visit Pakistan and explore the investment opportunities,” he said.
The catalog show will provide an opportunity for interaction between Saudi and Pakistani entrepreneurs, government representatives and members of the chambers of commerce and industries.
“This mission is striving to promote trade between the two countries and create business opportunities for the companies on both sides. The show will project Pakistan’s trade potential and provide an opportunity to Pakistani firms to introduce their products in the Saudi market,” he said.
He pointed out that Islamabad is pursuing an investor-friendly policy, saying that it has introduced a number of reforms removing all hurdles in investment and providing maximum facilities to the business community.
However trade between the two countries is still below full potential, the ambassador said, noting that the time has come to strengthen business activities between the two countries. Saudi Arabia is a member of the World Trade Organization and Pakistan should benefit from its booming business sector, he added.
Top Saudi entrepreneurs have shown interest as some 225 leading Pakistani companies agreed to take part in the show. Catalogs, brochures, and samples totaling 11,000 will be on display. Representatives of the participating firms will be available to give further information.
High-ranking officials from Pakistan, including Tariq Ikram, minister of state and chief executive of Trade Development Authority, Junaid Ahmad, adviser to the prime minister on economic affairs, and Syed Asif Ali, secretary of commerce, and representatives of leading manufacturers will attend the show, Karimullah said.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Corporation, Board of Investment, Islamic Development Bank and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry are sponsoring the event.
