LCCI hosts Belgian catalogue expo

LAHORE: A Belgian catalogue exhibition has been successfully concluded at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), displaying the products and services of over 100 leading Belgian companies.

The sectors represented included aeronautics, construction, pharmaceuticals, IT, food, environment, steel, logistics, petrochemicals and medical sciences.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Van Der Gracht commented on the remarkable developments he witnessed in Pakistan in less than a year since his first visit to the LCCI. He acknowledged the country’s exceptional resilience, noting that “this country, which a year ago was almost rescued from potential bankruptcy, is now firmly on the path to stabilisation. One might ask, after all you have been through in one year, how is this possible?”

The ambassador praised Pakistan’s trade surplus with Belgium and underscored the continued importance of the GSP+ facility. He further added that Belgium was working to enhance visa processing. “Over the last three years, we have doubled the number of visas issued. Last year, we welcomed nearly 400 Pakistani students — both men and women — to Belgium,” he said, emphasising the potential for deeper collaboration in education, business and investment.

Earlier, LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol extended a warm welcome to the ambassador and the Belgian trade commissioner. He expressed appreciation for the embassy’s partnership with the LCCI in organising the exhibition, which was linked to the Belgian Business Contact Day, and affirmed that Pakistan and Belgium have remained steady trading partners.