Global Rice News

Foreign diplomats from various countries recently visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) in Islamabad. The visit was organized by the Foreign Services Academy of Pakistan and aimed to strengthen economic and trade relations between Pakistan and other nations. The diplomats had the opportunity to meet with prominent figures such as Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President of FPCCI, Mr. Amin Ullah Baig, Vice President of FPCCI and Incharge of the Capital Office, and Mr. Umar Masood ur Rehman, Vice President of FPCCI.

The visiting delegation included representatives from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Cuba, Fiji, Guyana, Ghana, Mali, Oman, Rwanda, Siri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. These diplomats expressed their interest in exploring trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

During the discussions, President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh emphasized the importance of economic and trade diplomacy in boosting Pakistan’s exports. He highlighted the potential for collaboration in sectors such as Information Technology, wind power, renewable energy, agriculture, food security, and human resource development. President Sheikh urged the diplomats to facilitate importers and exporters while encouraging their respective countries’ businessmen to explore the Pakistani market.

Vice President Amin Ullah Baig also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the diplomats to promote Pakistani products in international markets. He emphasized the need to establish a mechanism for cooperation in economic, commercial, and technical fields. Baig suggested organizing seminars and exhibitions both in Pakistan and other countries to raise awareness about Pakistani products. He also stressed the importance of streamlining the process for business visas.

Umar Masood ur Rehman, another Vice President of FPCCI, briefed the diplomats on Pakistan’s major export commodities, including textiles, clothing and apparel, rice, leather goods, and surgical instruments. He highlighted the challenges faced by Pakistani exporters, such as non-tariff barriers to trade within the region and other countries. Rehman emphasized the interconnectedness of business and diplomatic affairs in the current era of globalization, stating that strong economic diplomacy is essential for economic growth.

The visiting diplomats expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral trade and investments between their respective countries and Pakistan. They discussed various sectors of interest and pledged to encourage their importers to directly import products from Pakistan instead of relying on other countries. The diplomats recognized the potential of Pakistani products and assured their support in facilitating easy access to these products in their countries.

Overall, this visit by foreign diplomats highlights the growing interest in Pakistan as a favorable destination for trade and investment. By focusing on economic and trade diplomacy, Pakistan can foster stronger relationships with other nations and boost its exports in key sectors.

Source: [link to the source article](https://islamabadpost.com.pk)