Commerce Minister Calls upon promote positive Image of Pakistan in Europe.

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Brussels (Belgium) Jan 24 (APP): Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan said that the Pakistani diaspora in Europe is instrumental in enhancing Pakistan’s trade with the European countries.

He said this while addressing representatives of Pakistani diaspora in Belgium, here today.

The Commerce Minister said that in today’s world where trade and economic ties have become a key component of diplomacy, perceptions about the trading partners have huge impact on trade relations and in this respect diaspora could be of great help.

The Minister said that the emerging positive reality of Pakistan offered opportunities for peace and development, not only within the country, but also in its immediate and extended neighbors. Sharing the good news from Pakistan he said that “an era of stability and socio economic development has begun.

“Pakistan has come a long way since election in 2013. Today democracy is taking roots in Pakistan. Economy is growing and security has improved, providing the space necessary to undertake the essential reforms”, he added.

The Commerce Minister said that government’s commitment to tackle terrorism, effectively coupled with handling challenges in power sector, and initiating essential institutional reforms, have greatly boosted Pakistan’s economy. The Minister said that due to continuous efforts of the government, economy has been put on right track and it was growing at a vigorous pace.

He said that efforts were being made by the present government to enhance Pakistan’s exports and recently on the occasion of Prime Minister’s Trade Enhancement initiative in Islamabad Mian Nawaz Sharif announced a package of incentives of Rs.180 billion to boost exports. The Minister further added that overcoming gas and power shortage remained top priority and this would help in strengthening our export base.

He informed that investors’ confidence has gone up. Bloomberg has ranked Pakistan Stock Exchange as the fifth best performing exchange in the world and best in Asia. Travel Advisories on Pakistan were being revised the world over and as a result foreign investors have started to return to Pakistan. The country’s economic ratings are improving due to growth facilitated by improved economic situation, the minister added.
APP/ Hamza/VNS Brussels