ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi underlined need to take tangible steps to increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and UK, which stood at £ 3.1 billion in 2021, to $ 10 billion per year.

This could be achieved in short span of time by fully utilising existing opportunities, exploring new avenues and markets, diversifying products and services and ensuring economic and political stability in country, he added.

Talking to UK’s outgoing High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Christian Turner who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr President said that enhanced bilateral cooperation to substantially increase trade and investment from UK in Pakistan would also help in improving economic conditions of country, besides creating jobs to reduce unemployment and sustain higher growth rates in coming years.

He said that UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which would replace GSP in early 2023, would provide tariff reductions and simpler terms to Pakistan including duty-free exports of over 94 percent of goods from Pakistan to UK.

President appreciated inclusion of Pakistan in DCTS and expressed desire to fast-track progress on signing of Free Trade Agreement to substantially enhance trade and signing of an agreement between two sides for launch of Trade Dialogue in coming months. 

He stressed need to create bilateral Enhanced Strategic Dialogue and Enhanced Strategic Partnership by developing 10-year roadmap for taking relations forward in diverse fields, including trade, investment and climate change.

During meeting, increasing permeation of Hindutva philosophy in Indian society was also discussed.

President emphasised that international community should take notice of increasing intimidation, harassment and marginalisation of minorities, especially Muslims in India and take tangible steps to pressurise India to give minorities their due rights.

High Commissioner said that Pakistan with its English-speaking workforce and its proximity to Middle East was ideally placed for making investments by UK-based companies. He said that certainty in economic outlook, political stability and sustained policies would further help in attracting UK investment in Pakistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 12 2023

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