
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development for bilateral trade relations, UK Trade Commissioner Oliver Christian met with Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal, on Monday to explore avenues for enhancing trade collaboration between the two nations. According to a press statement from the Ministry of Commerce, the discussions primarily focused on fostering sectoral collaboration and implementing a business-to-business matchmaking approach aimed at unlocking growth opportunities for both countries.
Minister Kamal emphasized Pakistan’s substantial potential in the food sector, particularly through the promotion of value-added products. “Pakistan can significantly boost foreign exchange earnings by focusing on value addition,” he remarked, underscoring the need for strategic efforts to enhance the country’s export capabilities.
The meeting also highlighted the government’s ambitious plan under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to double Pakistan’s exports from $30 billion to $60 billion. Kamal praised the Prime Minister’s dedication to this export growth initiative, which aims to strengthen the nation’s economic position on the global stage.
One of the noteworthy achievements in Pakistan’s trade landscape, according to Kamal, was the success of the FoodAg Expo held in Karachi. The expo, which attracted over 800 foreign delegates, served as a platform for new business opportunities. “This was the first event of its kind with such a large international presence, offering significant business prospects,” he stated, reflecting on the positive outcomes of the event.
Minister Kamal further elaborated on Pakistan’s growing export capabilities across various sectors, including information technology, mining, horticulture, and dairy. He specifically mentioned the country’s emerging olive production, stating, “Pakistan is on its way to becoming a significant olive exporter, with extensive cultivation already underway.” This growth in agricultural exports showcases the diverse potential within Pakistan’s economy.