Federal Minister for BOI was addressing the ceremony on the occasion of Korean Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day

Naveed Ahmad Khan   Photos by: Ghulam Farid

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Chaudhry Salik Hussain has said that there are vast opportunities for further expansion of economic, trade relations between the Republic of Korea and Pakistan. He addressed the gathering as a Chief Guest on the occasion of Korean Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day.

Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Israr Tareen, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Sehar Kamran, Senator Sitara Ayaz, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov, high commissioners, ambassadors, diplomats, parliamentarians and members of civil society attended the event.

Chaudhry Salik said the diplomatic relations between the two countries are based on bilateral diplomatic and trade ties, which have deep roots in history.

He said an agreement has been reached between ‘Samsung and Lucky Motors’ regarding the production of smart-phones in Pakistan and this will further strengthen the economic and trade relations between the two countries.

The minister said South Korea and Pakistan have a great potential of skilled labor which has played its full role for the development not only of their country but also in different regions of the world.

He recalled the history of the start of diplomatic bilateral relations and also refreshed that in the decades of the 60s and 70s, the Pakistani and Korean workforce played a key role in the construction of today’s Middle East. “Our relations date back deep into history in ‘Gandhara civilization”, he said.

He also referred to the joint venture of the Korean South East Power Company with a local company at Gullpore generating 102 MW of electricity.

Meanwhile, on the occasion, Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Pakistan, Suh Sangpyo said that there is a strong economic and trade relationship between Pakistan and South Korea which has a lot of potential.

New avenues of economic and trade cooperation will be opened in the near future in both the countries, he said.

He said people-to-people contact is very important in both the countries and there are a large number of Pakistanis living in Korea. Apart from this, a large number of Pakistani students have gone to South Korea for studies.

The Ambassador said relations with Pakistan are enhancing the due potential in all sectors and Korean companies are coming to Pakistan.

He said “We have revised our travel advisory for Pakistan and soon Korea will start group tours.” Korea is standing with Pakistan in the relief and restoration of flood-affected people.

The ambassador in his address said both of the countries have
strengthened their ties in different sectors including trade, investments, education, culture and sports.
“We are going to hold more cultural events this year in collaboration with Pakistani partners.