Saturday, May 31, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 24, 1429    

Pak, Nepal bilateral trade needs improvement

Karachi—Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Nepal Embassy have agreed on taking new initiatives to promote bilateral trade and exploit the trade potential of both countries. Pakistan and Nepal mutual trade does not reflect the warmth and depth of relationship between both the SAARC member countries, noted President FPCCI, Tanvir Ahmed Shaikh and the Ambassador of Nepal who visited Federation House here on Thursday, according to a FPCCI release.

President FPCCI in his welcome address, mentioned that trade relations of Pakistan with Nepal are not very strong and are growing at a snail’s pace. The volume of trade between Pakistan and Nepal is dollars 4.8 million. Pakistan’s total exports to Nepal are dollars 1.631 million and import from Nepal are of dollars 3.166 million. Pakistan mainly imports tea. Tanvir A. Sheikh pointed out that market size of Nepal is small as compared to other SAARC countries but still there is great potential for Pakistani textile, clothes and sports goods.

Nepal is a beautiful country from tourism point of view. Pakistan delegation is expected to visit Nepal in July. He also invited the Ambassador to send a delegation to ECO exhibition being held in July at Karachi. The Ambassador of Nepal showed his concern over the trade deficit in trading with India. Nepal has borders with India on its three sides which is the main reason of more trade with India.

He pointed out that although we have meagre trade but his visit to FPCCI will lead to open new avenues of trade. Nepal considers Pakistan a trusted friend. Pakistan can Invest in oil seed processing and oil extraction plants projects. Pakistan as compared to Nepal is more developed and Nepalese businessmen can benefit from Pakistan businessmen’s experience.—APP