KARACHI: Ambassador of Switzerland Bénédict de Cerjat said although trade balance between Pakistan and Switzerland was largely in favor of his country but the trade cannot be one way as it works well when everybody earns profits, therefore, Pakistan needs to focus more on improving its exports to Switzerland.
"Although it is not my job to increase Pakistan's exports to Switzerland as it is purely the role of Pakistan's Ambassador yet I can help and contribute because at the end of the day, if you export more textiles, we will also be able to export more Swiss machinery that would not only improve your productivity but also create a win-win situation for both the friendly countries", he added while exchanging views during a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).
He noted that the performance of Pakistan's textiles sector was quite interesting. He said the visit to KCCI was very important to him as it represents Karachi which was the economic and financial hub of the country while Pakistan, with a population of 220 million which was twice the population of Switzerland, can offer a number of trade and investment opportunities to Swiss companies.
He was of the opinion that countries around the world have been suffering because of Covid-19 situation and hoping for a reset to normal economic life however, Pakistan's economic performance has been relatively well as compared to many other countries where the growth rate has descended all the way down to even minus 10 percent.
In response to a query about closure of Swiss Consulate in Karachi, the ambassador said, "Although the Swiss Consulate in Karachi was closed two years ago due to fiscal reasons but a very vibrant platform of Swiss Business Council was available in Karachi which is doing good work and even, I rely a lot on the figures being released by them."
KCCI president M Shariq Vohra, while welcoming the Swiss ambassador, pointed out that Pakistan and Switzerland share cordial and healthy bilateral relations based on cooperation in different economic spheres. He said potential exists for Swiss businessmen to further invest in Pakistan on 100 percent equity basis or as joint ventures with local industries while Pakistan can greatly benefit from Swiss expertise in energy sector, mining, agriculture, and equity market.
KCCI president particularly mentioned that there was also a possibility of cooperation in supplying raw materials and finished products for fertilizers, chemicals, and pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan while handicrafts, shoes, precious stones and metals were also considered to be sectors important for enhancing Pakistan's export to Switzerland.
KCCI SVP M Saqib Goodluck, vice president Shamsul Islam Khan, chairman Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Subcommittee Junaid Mundia, former president Majyd Aziz and managing committee members were also present on the occasion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
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