UK to raise resources to Pakistan

KARACHI: British Deputy High Commissioner Mike Nithavrianakis on Friday said the British Department for International Trade (DIT) was increasing its resources to Pakistan for it being an emerging frontier market that deserves greater attention.

Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he said, “With more DIT resources, we will have greater capacity to not only support British businesses who are keen to explore the Pakistani market but also assist the Pakistani companies looking forward to get engaged with UK companies.”

The British envoy said 5,000 British companies were operating in UAE, very few of which were doing business in Pakistan. If they were already in the region they should be exploring Pakistan’s market more seriously.

“We are encouraging these British companies to explore the Pakistani market, but bringing new British companies is a challenge because of Pakistan’s perception which needs to be changed.”

Former KCCI president Siraj Kassam Teli said the British Deputy High Commission and Karachi Chamber should form a special committee which should review any issue likely to emerge after UK’s exit from EU and accordingly recommend solutions to ensure smooth trade between the two countries.