Monday, May 12, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 5, 1429    

France, Pakistan to enhance trade relations

Staff Reporter

Karachi—France has decided to set French Development Agency (FDA) in Pakistan to boost existing strong bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries mainly in energy, education and health sectors and to help in infrastructure development. This was stated by the French Ambassador to Pakistan Regis de Belenet while speaking at a meeting of the English Speaking Union of Pakistan at a hotel here on Saturday.
He said that many French companies were already doing business in Pakistan in telecom and other sectors. Pakistan was also getting funds from France for infrastructure development and water supply improvement projects in different parts of the country. The bilateral trade volume between the two countries has touched $1.2 billion mark, however presently it is in the favour of France.
The present trade volume is likely to increase in futures. Regarding export of French cars to Pakistan, he said that very high tariff was an issue in this regard. He also referred to French-Pakistani co-operation in the defence sector. He said that terrorism has nothing to do with religion and it will be a big mistake to link terrorism with Islam. He said that Pakistan government’s talks with the militants in tribal areas may be useful if the militants also responded with same spirit and gave up arms.
He asserted French government’s policy against scarf was not discriminatory. He said that over 5 million Muslims are living in France and there is no restriction on their religious activities. There are so many mosques in France, he said. He pointed out that the unrest in Paris was not driven by religion and according to him, it was due to economic and other reasons. He said that it was not for him to comment on the status of President Musharraf. “President Musharraf’s future will depend on his decision and the will of the people Pakistan,” he said.
The President English Speaking Union Naveed A. Khan and Bahram D. Avari also spoke on this occasion. The Consulate Generals of different countries including the United States, France, Germany, Poland and other countries were also present on this occasion, while a number of members of the ESU attended the event.