Fahim-Gareth for evolving Market Access Strategy for Pakistan

 

LONDON: The UK Minister for Department of International Development (DFID) Gareth Thomas has expressed Britain’s full support for achieving a level playing field for Pakistan’s trade and access to European Markets including special preferential arrangements for Pakistan.

 

He gave this assurance in a meeting with Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim who called on him, 25 March 2009.

 

Fahim apprised Gareth of Pakistan’s frontline role in elimination of terrorism and its effects on the country’s economy, and underscored greater international support for Pakistan’s endeavours for strengthening economy through enhanced trade and investments.

 

Appreciating Pakistan’s role in war against terrorism Gareth assured that official meetings will be initiated soon to look into the options to improve market access to Pakistan in European Union.

 

The DFID Minister informed Fahim that the UK must look at the open and conducive investment policies of Pakistan in comparison to other countries in that region.

 

While appreciating conducive business environment in Pakistan, Gareth said that UK business ventures were being very well treated and looked after in Pakistan and they were extremely successful. He emphasized that this very positive factor must be taken into account while developing a strategy for market access for Pakistan.

 

Earlier, the Commerce Minister also met officials of the Export Credit Guarantee Department (ECGD) of the UK and briefed the participants on current economic and political scenario of Pakistan.

 

He called upon ECGD to encourage British business to invest in Pakistan, and was informed that keen interest in the telecom sector of Pakistan has been received by ECGD.

 

 

APP - March 25, 2009