Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK Dr Maleeha Lodhi has urged Pakistan Britain Trade and Investment Forum (PBTIF) to evolve a plan for improving the image of Pakistan in the United Kingdom.
She was speaking at a meeting of the PBTIF convened here on Thursday on completion of the first year of its formation.
The meeting was called to review the activities of the Forum and set a direction to evolve a plan for improving Pakistan's image in the United Kingdom.
Dr Lodhi congratulated the PBTIF and Asia House on the successful completion of their first year and achieving the objectives of sending a ministerial level trade delegation to Pakistan in December, 2003, holding an investment conference in London in May 2004 in partnership with the High Commission and succeeding in securing medium term cover by EGD on exports and investment.
She expressed satisfaction on the increase in Pakistan's exports to the UK during the year 2003 as well as growth in overall Pak-UK trade. The Forum's efforts in this regard were acknowledged.
Maleeha advised the Forum to constitute a sub-group and work as a think tank to set new targets for the organisation to achieve during the years 2004-05. She stressed the need of evolving a plan to improve Pakistan's perception in the UK and a regular system for follow-up on the conference.
Charles Jimeson, chairman of the Forum, also appreciated the work done by the Forum and suggested to developing a mechanism for improving perceptions so that investors and the trading community felt comfortable in doing the business with Pakistan.
Asia House presented a detailed report on the conference and action plan with regard to the launch of a website for PBTIF and continued targeted expansion o the PBTIF membership, whilst maintaining the quality of its membership. Members expressed their satisfaction on the work carried out by the PBTIF during the last one year and expressed desire to set new targets.
They also urged that the role of BOI as first contact point in Pakistan should be increased by way of issuing newsletter providing information on the available incentives and the steps taken by them for attracting foreign investment.
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