Netherlands wants to boost trade ties with Pakistan

KARACHI: The Netherlands wants to increase its footprints in Pakistan through collaboration and partnership in several sectors.

In a meeting with members of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Jeannette Seppen, ambassador of The Netherlands, said that her country wanted to increase footprints in Pakistan, especially its port city Karachi.

A lot has been done and a lot needs to be done, she said, adding that Pakistan held very important position in the Dutch foreign policy and both the countries had strong social and economic bonds over the years.

The Netherlands and Pakistan would extend their collaboration and partnership in many sectors, especially energy, food and agriculture, she added.

Many Dutch companies, including Philips, Unilever, Shell, and Suzuki are successfully operating in Karachi for a long period. Suzuki is going to open another plant with huge investment in Pakistan, she said. The ports and shipping are handling big quantity of Dutch cargo.

She also said her whole emphasis is to work for the enhancement of The Netherlands-Pakistan trade and business relations with extra emphasis in promotion of agro, food, automobile and energy-related projects and businesses.

She said Pakistan has good policies for foreign investors and if these implemented, Pakistan would benefit greatly.

The Pakistani ambassador in The Netherlands is very active and keen to enhance trade ties, she said.

Zubair F Tufail, president of the FPCCI, gave briefing on the FPCCI activities.

He highlighted the economic gains of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for Pakistan. The energy projects, setting up of new industries and telecommunication projects would become the game changer for Pakistan in terms of new economic opportunities, leading to higher income and employment.

He also said preferential trade agreement (PTA) with The Netherlands can be very effective for both the countries.

Alamgir Firoz, chairman of the Standing Committee on Diplomatic Affairs, said that Pakistan needs to have an interaction with businessman from The Netherlands to enhance bilateral trade and cooperation in common areas of interest.  “We need to activate Pakistan-Netherlands Joint Business Council, which can help in better collaboration and partnership, especially in energy, food and agriculture sectors.