A seminar on “Regional Trade and Economic Connectivity” was held by the Ministry of Commerce on December 29, 2011. The seminar was attended by representatives of both public and private sectors. While inaugurating the Seminar Federal Secretary for Commerce, Mr. Zafar Mahmood stated that the promotion of Regional Trade is a priority of the Government and the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan has declared the Year 2012 as the “Year of Regional Trade and Economic Connectivity”. Mr. Zafar Mahmood further highlighted the strategic importance of Pakistan and the role Pakistan can play as an Economic Hub for landlocked Central Asian Republics (CARS). He also touched upon the Trade Normalization process with India, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC). He further stated that this seminar is the first in the series of seminars, which will be organized over the next year including one in February 2012 to develop further coordination among the stakeholders.
At the invitation of the Commerce Minister, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Thailand Trade Representative (TTR) Mr. Pichate Satirachaval is visiting Pakistan from 19-21 December 2011. The TTR held meetings with Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Board of Investment and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This is the first such high-level interaction between the two countries in last seven years. Both sides agreed that there is a need to explore new areas of cooperation to boost the steadily growing trade, commercial and investment ties.
The 6th round of India-Pakistan talks on Commercial and Economic Co-operation was held during November 14th-16th, 2011 at New Delhi, between Commerce Secretaries of India and Pakistan under the dialogue process which started in 2004. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the overall progress being made to fully normalize the bilateral trading relationship. Pakistan side informed that its Cabinet has given a mandate to the Commerce Ministry for complete normalization of trade with India. It appreciated India’s support in WTO for the EU concession package for Pakistan which would give the Pakistani business community confidence and create an environment of trust and cooperation. The Indian side welcomed the Cabinet decision and reiterated its support for the normalization process and building trust. Both sides agreed that the momentum of work and the determination to move forward had transmitted positive signals about advancing the bilateral trade agenda.
A seminar on “Regional Trade and Economic Connectivity” was held by the Ministry of Commerce on December 29, 2011. The seminar was attended by representatives of both public and private sectors. While inaugurating the Seminar Federal Secretary for Commerce, Mr. Zafar Mahmood stated that the promotion of Regional Trade is a priority of the Government and the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan has declared the Year 2012 as the “Year of Regional Trade and Economic Connectivity”. Mr. Zafar Mahmood further highlighted the strategic importance of Pakistan and the role Pakistan can play as an Economic Hub for landlocked Central Asian Republics (CARS). He also touched upon the Trade Normalization process with India, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC). He further stated that this seminar is the first in the series of seminars, which will be organized over the next year including one in February 2012 to develop further coordination among the stakeholders.
