Spokesman Report

RAWALPINDI: A Kazakhstani business delegation visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce, led by Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin, and included representatives from the construction, education, food, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

“Kazakhstan attaches great importance to diplomatic and trade relations with Pakistan. Thirty years ago, on this very day, diplomatic relations were established on the occasion of the visit of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Pakistan,” said Kazakh Ambassador Yerzan Kistafin. A business council is being formed comprising two members from the chamber, he said, adding that co-operation between the business community and the private sector is needed to enhance bilateral trade relations. The visit of today’s trade delegation is part of efforts for bringing the business community of two countries closer.

The bilateral trade volume is very much low which needs to be enhanced, he added.

On this occasion, Chamber President Nadeem Rauf said that the bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Kazakhstan is less than one million dollars, direct flights should be started between the two countries and the banking system should be improved to increase bilateral trade volume.

Pharmaceutical, rice, Marble, construction materials, poultry and tourism are promising sectors in which mutual trade can be increased.

He urged for exchange of delegation at chambers level to enhance networking. He also gave a short briefing to the trade delegation on RCCI current and future programs.

Group leader Sohail Altaf said that Central Asia is an important trading region, Pakistan has ideal friendly diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan which need to be transformed into economic relations.

Senior Vice President Asim Malik, Vice President Talat Awan, Former Presidents, Executive Members and Chamber Members were also present on the occasion.