'Argentine wants to strengthen trade, economic ties with Pakistan'

LAHORE: Argentine wants to make its trade and economic ties with Pakistan stronger.

These views were expressed by Deputy Head of the Commercial Section Guido Maiulini and Head of the Consular Section, Embassy of Argentina Maria Carmela Mirabelli while talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) President Abdul Basit at the LCCI on Friday.

The Argentinean delegation, who spent well over an hour at the LCCI, threw light on a number of issues hampering the bilateral trade between the two countries and forwarded various proposals to give boost to two-way trade. They said that Pakistani businessmen should establish partnerships with their counterparts in the fields of Agriculture and Livestock of Argentina where huge opportunities were available, adding that Argentina could extend technical assistance to Pakistan in the agriculture field.

The LCCI President Abdul Basit said that the agriculture sector of Pakistan continued to be the single largest and dominant driving force for growth as well as the main source of livelihood for 66% of Pakistan's population.

He said that the concept of corporate farming was picking up in Pakistan but its proportion was too small to make any impact on the performance of this sector.

"We know that with the help of required technology and knowledge, this sector can be transformed into a high yielding industry," he added,

LCCI President said that Argentina and Pakistan had many things in common as both countries were known for cash and food crops all over the globe.

Argentina was better off in terms of having technology and modern machinery to maintain high level of yield and optimum value addition with the help of well-established agro food industry.

He said, "If we can succeed in developing an across border network among the key players of this sector then both Argentina and Pakistan can attain win-win situation."

The LCCI Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan said that the Embassy of Argentina could become a reliable source of disseminating trade related information to curtail communication gap.

He also stressed the need to undertake frequent activities like exchange of business delegations, participation in trade fairs & exhibitions etc. to ensure a continuous liaison.

He said that closer interaction between the Chambers of the two countries could be highly beneficial.