ISLAMABAD: Recent visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to Union of Mynamar will promote bilateral relations and boost trade between the two countries.
Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit while giving details of the visit said, President Zardari held a meeting with the President of Myanmar Thein Sein and the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues.
President Zardari called for enhancing trade between Pakistan and Myanmar and a preferential tariff arrangement, leading to a free trade agreement.
He proposed setting up a Joint Ministerial Commission to promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries as well as collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
The President offered to Mynamar to send the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources for exploring prospects of meaningful cooperation.
He also called for consultations between the central banks of the two countries to study prospects of a currency swap arrangement for closer economic and trade cooperation.
The President suggested greater interaction between chambers of commerce of both the countries and offered to send a delegation of businessmen.
He expressed the hope that closer interaction between trade bodies would lead to establishment of a Joint Business Council.
President Zardari also offered to share Pakistan's experience in poverty alleviation and women empowerment.
He said Benzair Income Support Programme had proved to be very successful and has been lauded by the international community.
President Zardari offered educational and training facilities for Myanmar's youth in medical, engineering and business colleges in Pakistan, as well as courses for Myanmar's diplomats at the Pakistan's Foreign Service Academy.
The President proposed that besides parliamentary exchanges, the two countries should also establish regular consultations between foreign ministries.
He expressed the hope that Myanmar assuming the Chairmanship of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2014 would see the culmination of Pakistan's quest for closer and more effective institutional relationship with the organization as Full Dialogue Partner.
The President also extended an invitation to Myanmar's President to visit Pakistan.
During his stay, the President also met with the Chairperson National League for Democracy (NLD), Madam Aung San Suu Kyi.
President Zardari conferred Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Award on Madam Aung San Suu Kyi at a special investiture ceremony.
Later, the President paid a visit to the mausoleum of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Pakistan and Myanmar enjoy cordial relations since 1948, when Myanmar achieved Independence from Britain.
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