Global Rice News

ISLAMABAD: At a meeting held at the Federation House, Atif Ikram Sheikh, the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussed the need for direct flights and strong air links between Pakistan and Morocco with Moroccan Ambassador Muhammad Karamone. Recognizing the potential for trade between the two countries, Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized the importance of creating joint ventures in new sectors and leveraging the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to enhance trade opportunities.

Pakistan, with its abundance of natural resources, offers attractive investment prospects in various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, construction, hydro, textile, pink salt, solar power projects, mines and minerals, gemstones, and agriculture. To explore these opportunities, a delegation is expected to visit Morocco soon to hold B2B meetings with local businesses.

Over the years, Pakistan’s exports to Morocco have shown positive growth, increasing from $24.85 million in 2018 to $32.06 million in 2022. Efforts are underway to further boost this figure, and the Federation of Chambers of Pakistan and Moroccan Chambers of Commerce are working together to facilitate more trade. This collaboration entails organizing bilateral visits, trade events, and fostering business partnerships.

Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, the Honorary Consul General of Morocco and Chairman of the Pakistan-Morocco Business Council, highlighted the significance of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Morocco. He mentioned their previous successful visit to Morocco, which included organizing a Biryani Festival to showcase Pakistani rice, highly sought after in the country.

Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Member of the National Assembly and former Senior Vice President of FPCCI, pledged his full support to represent the business community in the National Assembly. He assured the Federation President that he would advocate for institutional support and serve as a strong voice in promoting their interests.

Ambassador Muhammad Karamone, representing Morocco, expressed gratitude for the meeting and emphasized that Morocco serves as a gateway to Europe with free trade agreements with African countries and the European Union. He encouraged Pakistan to leverage these agreements through Morocco, particularly in sectors like tourism and investment in areas such as telecommunications, energy, and banking.

In attendance at the meeting were Chairman Capital Office Karim Aziz Malik, Coordinator Diplomatic Committee Ahmed Waheed, Chairman Coordination FPCCI Malik Sohail Hussain, Mian Akram Farid, Vice President ICCI Azhar Islam, Chaudhry Naseer, Tariq Jadoon, Special Advisor Afshan Malik, Amina Malik, Rashid Humayun, and others.

Source: [Bol News](https://www.bolnews.com)