ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Adam Thomson, Tuesday said that his country is trying to help Pakistan get access to the European Union market.
"We are trying to get EU trade concession of GSP Plus for Pakistan to get more Pakistani products introduced in Europe," he told a Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) delegation that included VP Saarc CCI Iftikhar Ali Malik, VP FPCCI Amir Atta Bajwa, SVC, FPCCI Kanwar Qutbuddin.
Thomson said Pakistan has a conducive business environment but UK's SME sector is still reluctant to invest which will be only possible if the local business community extends cooperation.
He said he is inviting British investors to explore energy, super markets and other promising sectors in Pakistan.
Iftikhar Malik, who is also ex-president FPCCI, said Pakistan is being deprived of its due rights while other countries like Bangladesh are getting concessions.
He said Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in Pakistan's tribal areas is not a viable option, which he told US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, in a meeting.
He asked UK to help boost regional trade.
To a question, the High Commissioner said Pakistan has suffered more in war on terror. "Do More” is not a helpful phrase. We all (allies in war on terror) need to do more."
He said dispute resolution initiative by FPCCI there is a need to encourage UK's business community to invest in Pakistan.
He agreed to explore business exchange programs.
He said there is no better way than to foster trade relations between Pakistan and India.
Thomson, however, said that the UK will continue to work for improved ties between the two neighbours.
Copyright PPI (Pakistan Press International), 2011
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