Ambassador hosts Pakistani expatriates doing business with Pakistan
In order to recognize the services of Pakistani expatriates doing business with Pakistan, an event was organised at the residence of the Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands on October 20th, 2009.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Ambassador of Pakistan, appreciated the services of Pakistani expatriates in the Netherlands who have been importing Pakistani products into the Netherlands and supplying it all across Europe. He commended them for the valuable contribution rendered by them to the motherland’s economy and the respect they are earning for their country. Their contribution is two-fold: they are contributing to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings by importing from Pakistan and their foreign exchange remittances are supporting the country’s economy.
Muhammad Ashraf, Commercial Secretary made a presentation on investment opportunities in Pakistan especially for the overseas Pakistanis. He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location, being on the crossroads of Central, South East and South Asia. In the recently published report by the World Bank on Ease of Doing Business, Pakistan has gained top ranking amongst its South Asian competitors. Pakistani expatriate businessmen should invest in Pakistan and contribute to the economic development of the country.
The participants were also briefed about the Expo Pakistan 2009, a mega event being held in Karachi from December 3-5, 2009. Over the years, Expo Pakistan has become an annual gathering of foreign importers who want to meet with Pakistani suppliers of diverse products on the show floor. The event showcases Pakistan’s manufacturing strengths especially in home textiles, apparel, engineering goods, food items, leather products, surgical and sports goods, carpets, marble and handicrafts. Dutch buyers have been consistently visiting Expo Pakistan. During the last edition of Expo Pakistan in 2008, a nine member delegation of Dutch traders including three Pakistani-Dutch entrepreneurs visited the event.
The Ambassador invited the Pakistani expatriate businessmen to participate in the Expo Pakistan 2009. He added that the commercial wing of the embassy will be available for all kind of assistance in this regard including the matchmaking meetings with the suppliers on the show floor and on the sidelines of the event.
Mr. Fazal-i-Qadir, Senior Joint Secretary Ministry of Commerce was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Fazal-i-Qadir, lauded the services of Pakistani expatriate entrepreneurs and assured them of all the support from the Ministry of Commerce to facilitate them in doing business with Pakistan.
