UK's credit financing for Pakistan has tripled to £1.5 billion, says Turner

(Karachi) British High Commissioner Christian Turner has said that the United Kingdom's credit financing for Pakistan has tripled and is key to achieving his ambition of doubling bilateral trade.

In an interview to a private news channel on Wednesday, Turner said that British government’s credit financing agency UK Export Finance (UKEF) has increased its financing limit to £1.5 billion for UK businesses looking to export and invest in Pakistan.

"This will help boost trade partnerships between the two countries and unleash Pakistan’s growth potential," he said. However, he highlighted that only £3 million out of £1.5 billion are being used for the purpose.

He said there is huge opportunity in Pakistan to avail investment and credit partnership with British government that will help provide jobs and lead to economic prosperity. He said, "UK is Pakistan's third largest trading partner. I think there is huge potential here."

To a question regarding resumption of British Airways flight operation in Pakistan, he said: "This is really good news because the global industry has been hit hard."

He added the flights were grounded and people were travelling less. He pointed out that we are operating daily flights from Islamabad and are also starting flights from Lahore four times a week. "That's just a sign of confidence in Pakistan and of course we have a million and a half British Pakistanis in UK who have families travelling to Pakistan."

Christian Turner said that he would be pleased to see Pakistan International Airline (PIA) fly again. "We have another airline British Airline Version and we hope it will start operation to Islamabad and Lahore at the end of this year."

About tackling coronavirus, he said that Pakistan played an exceptional role in fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The British High Commissioner remarked, "Pakistan defeated coronavirus by hitting a six." He maintained that other countries including the United Kingdom should learn from Pakistan regarding the novel coronavirus.

Pakistan dealt with the coronavirus outbreak in a well-organized approach and effective strategy. He added the country's economy is improving due to the measures taken by the present regime.

To another question regarding his perception about Pakistan, Turner said: "It is positive and i am enjoying myself here." He stated, "I am a bit frustrated as i could not travel around the country due to coronavirus but soon I will go to north and see what the country has to offer."

The British High Commissioner said that everyone has a responsibility to change perception about Pakistan. "The old perceptions and stereotypes are outdated," he remarked. Turner mentioned that Britain and Pakistan have good ties and a good friend never leaves another in hour of need.